Thomas Partey has appeared at Southwark Crown Court to answer five charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault.
Partey, 32, was seen arriving for his plea hearing in black trousers, a black quarter zip jumper and a blue jacket, just hours after he came off the bench in Villarreal’s 1-0 defeat by Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The former Arsenal midfielder is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. A further sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, as confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Partey denies all the charges.
The offences are alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. According to the Metropolitan Police, the first report of a rape allegation was received in February 2022.
Partey was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.
The midfielder appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face the charges before being granted bail. He is prohibited from contacting any of the three women involved in the case, as per the bail conditions.
Thomas Partey appeared at Southwark Crown Court for a hearing relating to his rape charges
Former Arsenal star Partey, 32, is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another
Partey played for Villarreal in their defeat by Spurs last night, where he was booed by rival fans
Partey’s lawyer said previously that he ‘denies all the charges against him’ and added he welcomes ‘the opportunity to finally clear his name’.
He subsequently joined Spanish side Villarreal on August 7, a move that was met with initial protests by the club’s fans.
Wednesday’s plea hearing had originally been scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey but was adjourned without explanation.
This meant he faced the scenario of appearing just hours after the Spurs clash.
Partey was jeered relentlessly after coming on in the 77th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He was then booed every time he touched the ball and supporters also targeted him with chants throughout the game.
