Former Arsenal player Partey granted bail on rape charges
Partey Denied Bail Amid Rape and Assault Charges
Former Arsenal Star Faces Six Counts, Awaiting Trial at London's Old Bailey
Thomas Partey, the 32-year-old Ghanaian footballer formerly of Arsenal, was granted conditional bail on Tuesday following a court appearance in London. He faces six charges: five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against another woman. The alleged offenses are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 while Partey played for the Gunners.
Partey was charged on July 4, just days after his contract with Arsenal expired. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court wearing a black zip-neck jumper, remaining silent as charges were read aloud. No pleas were entered.
Jenny Wiltshire, Partey's lawyer, previously stated that he "denies all the charges against him" and welcomes "the opportunity to finally clear his name."
His bail conditions include restrictions on contacting the three alleged victims and a requirement to notify authorities of any address changes or international travel plans.
Reports have linked Partey with a potential move to La Liga club Villarreal. During the bail discussion, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring acknowledged that Partey "is no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now."
Partey is scheduled for his next court appearance at London's Old Bailey on September 2.
Arsenal Supporters Express Disappointment
A spokesperson for Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence expressed their "profound disappointment" with the club's handling of the situation. Honor Barber, speaking outside the court, said, "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 highlighted their demands for the club to publish its sexual violence policies, suspend anyone under investigation for sexual offenses, and "properly support the survivors."
Timeline of Events:
- October 2020: Partey joins Arsenal for £45 million ($60 million) from Atletico Madrid.
- February 2022: British police receive initial reports of a rape allegation.
- June 30, 2023: Partey's contract with Arsenal expires.
- July 4, 2023: Partey is charged with six counts.
Partey's Arsenal Career:
During his time at Arsenal, Partey played 167 games, scoring nine goals. He was a key player for the Gunners last season, appearing in 52 matches and scoring four goals. He also boasts 51 appearances for the Ghanaian national team.
An Arsenal spokesperson previously stated: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case."