Former Arsenal football star, Thomas Partey, appeared in a London court on Monday to face rape and sexual assault charges involving three different women.
The 32-year-old, who left Arsenal at the end of June when his contract expired, is accused of raping one woman twice, raping another woman three times, and sexually assaulting a third woman. The alleged incidents are said to have happened between 2021 and 2022 while Partey was still playing in the Premier League.
Partey has denied all the charges. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said the footballer has fully cooperated with police over the last three years and is now ready to clear his name in court.
Outside the Westminster Magistrates’ Court, some protesters criticised Arsenal for keeping silent while Partey was still playing for the club. One protester held a sign that read: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing.’ Then did nothing.”
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in a £45 million deal. He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season and scored four goals.
Arsenal has not commented in detail, only saying that because the case is still in court, they are unable to speak further.
Partey’s next court date is expected soon. For now, his future in football remains uncertain.
