London, August 6, 2025 — Former Arsenal and Ghanaian
international midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail
following his court appearance on Tuesday, where he faced multiple charges of
rape and sexual assault.
The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’
Court, charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked
to three women. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2021
and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Dressed in a black zip-neck jumper and carrying a navy
blazer, Partey stood in court as prosecutors detailed the allegations. Two of
the rape charges involve one woman, three involve another, and the sexual
assault charge relates to a third complainant.
The charges stem from a Metropolitan Police
investigation that began in February 2022, following the first complaint.
Despite the ongoing inquiry, Partey remained active in Arsenal’s squad,
featuring prominently in their last two Premier League campaigns, including 35
appearances and four goals last season.
Partey’s legal counsel, Jenny Wiltshire, stated
outside the courtroom that her client “denies all the charges against him” and
“welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Backlash Against Arsenal
The proceedings have reignited debate over how Arsenal
handled the situation during Partey’s tenure at the club. A silent protest
organized by the group Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence was held
outside the court, with banners reading: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right
thing’, then did nothing.”
Critics have accused the club of failing to suspend
Partey during the investigation. Responding to questions during a recent media
session in Asia, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the club’s conduct,
insisting he was “100% confident” that proper procedures were followed.
In a statement released on July 4, the day Partey was
arrested, Arsenal said:
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to
ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Next Move: Villarreal Deal Nearing Completion
Meanwhile, Partey is reportedly on the verge of
joining La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer. He is said to have passed
his medical and agreed personal terms with the Spanish club, where he is
expected to sign in the coming days.
The move marks a return to Spain for Partey, who
previously played for Atlético Madrid, Mallorca, and Almería before his
high-profile transfer to Arsenal in 2020.
In a curious twist of fate, Arsenal are set to face
Villarreal in a preseason friendly at the Emirates just a day after Partey’s
court appearance — a match now likely to attract intense media scrutiny.
The case has been adjourned, with further legal
proceedings scheduled in the coming weeks.
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