Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday facing multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. The Ghanaian international was granted conditional bail during the hearing.
The 32-year-old midfielder has been charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. According to court documents, the alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022, whilst Partey was under contract with Arsenal Football Club.
Standing in the dock wearing a black zip-neck jumper with his arms behind his back, Partey showed no visible reaction as the charges were read out. He was not asked to enter any pleas during the preliminary hearing.
Partey was formally charged on 4 July, merely four days after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June.
Jenny Wiltshire, representing Partey, previously stated that her client “denies all the charges against him” and welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring imposed bail conditions stipulating that Partey cannot contact any of the three women involved and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel plans.
During discussions about bail conditions, Magistrate Goldspring noted: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.” Recent reports have linked Partey with a potential move to La Liga club Villarreal.
The case has been referred to London’s Old Bailey court, where Partey is scheduled to appear on 2 September.
Following the hearing, a spokesperson for Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence expressed profound disappointment with the London club’s handling of the matter.
Honor Barber, speaking outside the court, told the PA news agency: “We never wanted to be in a situation where the club that we love and the club that has values that we believe in was playing, week-in, week-out, a player who is now facing court appearances on six counts of sexual violence.”
Barber revealed that the group had “protested outside almost every home game last season because we wanted to disrupt the wall of silence that the club has put up around this issue.”
The supporters’ group is calling for Arsenal to publish their sexual violence policies, “suspend anyone under investigation for sexual offences” and “properly support the survivors”.
British police confirmed they first received reports alleging rape in February 2022.
Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 in a £45 million (appr. R800 million) transfer from Spanish side Atletico Madrid. During the previous season, he made 52 appearances for the Gunners, scoring four goals. In total, he played 167 matches for the North London club, finding the net nine times.
The midfielder has also earned 51 international caps representing Ghana.
An Arsenal spokesman previously issued a brief statement: “The player’s contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
