Thomas Partey arrives at court for plea hearing
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges after appearing in court the day after playing for his new club.
Partey faces five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal.
The 32-year-old left the Gunners and joined Spanish club Villarreal on a free transfer over the summer. He came on as a 78th-minute substitute in Villarreal's 1-0 defeat by Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday night and attended Southwark Crown Court the following morning.
Partey was seen entering the court wearing a dark suit. He spoke to confirm his full name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to all six charges against him.
The Ghana international was charged in July, just four days after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June. The Metropolitan Police first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5, where he was granted conditional bail, which means he must not contact any of the three women and must tell the police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
Earlier in the summer, his legal team, represented by Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose solicitors, issued a statement which read: "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London
"He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45million and made 167 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals. He has played five times since joining Villarreal, where he signed a one-year contract this summer.
Villarreal manager Marcelino faced questions over Partey's involvement in the Spurs match, given his imminent court date. “I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play,” Marcelino said in his pre-match press conference.
“For sure he’ll be ready. We are really happy that Thomas is with us for his football capacity and ability and his presence as a human. He’s a great player with lots of experience. He’s played in some top sides. We know he’s got a great ability and great level.
“I think he ended last season and started this season well. He settled in during pre-season really, really well. I think he will get back to his top level which we all know that he’s got and I’m very happy he’s with us in the team.”