Former Arsenal and current Villarreal midfielder Thomas
Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of
sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and
2022, during Partey’s time at Arsenal. The 32-year-old was charged earlier
this year, just four days after leaving the Premier League club when his
contract expired in June.
During Wednesday’s short hearing, Partey confirmed his
name and date of birth before entering his plea. Judge Christopher Hehir
scheduled the trial for November 2, 2026, citing the crown court
backlog.
Partey was granted bail under existing conditions,
including no contact with the three complainants and a requirement to inform
police of address changes or overseas travel.
His appearance came just a day after playing for
Villarreal in their 1–0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham in London.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for
£45 million, making 167 appearances and scoring nine goals before
departing in June. He has also represented Ghana more than 50 times
internationally and signed with Villarreal last month.
Arsenal declined to comment, citing ongoing legal
proceedings.
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