Thomas Partey
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape and sexual assault charges after appearing in court less than 24 hours after playing for his new club Villarreal.
The 32-year-old faces five counts of rape involving two women and one charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Partey, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer this summer after leaving the Gunners, came on as a late substitute in the Spanish club’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham on Tuesday night. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning, where he confirmed his name and date of birth before denying all six charges.
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka sends message to Arsenal teammates after Champions League opener
Judge Christopher Hehir confirmed that the trial is scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026, citing the backlog in the crown courts. “Because you have bail, you are effectively sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried,” the judge explained.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. pic.twitter.com/psS5LktQIn
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 17, 2025
The Ghana international was formally charged in July, just days after his Arsenal contract expired. He had previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, where he was granted conditional bail. The conditions prevent him from contacting the alleged victims and require him to inform police of any international travel or change of permanent address.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Partey’s legal team, led by Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose solicitors, has maintained his innocence. “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation,” a statement read earlier this summer. “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, making 167 appearances and scoring nine goals for the Gunners. He has featured five times for Villarreal since signing a one-year contract with the Spanish club in July.
Villarreal manager Marcelino defended the decision to play Partey against Tottenham despite the looming court case. “I’m totally convinced he is mentally and technically prepared,” Marcelino said. “He’s a great player with a lot of experience and quality. We’re happy to have him in the team, and I’m sure he’ll get back to his top level.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Louis Saha names Arsenal star who ‘lacks skill’ in blunt verdict