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Former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court on Tuesday to face multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
Naija News reports that the 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who left Arsenal at the end of June following the expiration of his contract, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Thomas Partey, dressed in a black zip-neck jumper and carrying a navy blazer, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where the prosecution detailed that the charges involved two alleged victims of rape and a third who has accused him of sexual assault. Two of the rape charges relate to one woman, while three involve another.
These allegations come after a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which began in February 2022 when the first complaint was filed.
His legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, reaffirmed that Partey “denies all the charges against him,” adding that he welcomes “the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The midfielder’s case has reignited scrutiny over Arsenal’s handling of the situation during his time at the club.
Despite being on police bail following his initial arrest, Partey continued to feature for the Gunners in two Premier League title campaigns. He made 35 league appearances last season, scoring four goals.
Outside the courtroom, members of the activist group Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence staged a silent protest. Holding a banner that read, “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing’, then did nothing,” they criticised the club for not suspending the player pending the outcome of the investigation.
When asked about the club’s response during a recent press briefing in Asia, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was “100%” confident that the club had followed proper procedures.
Arsenal, in a statement released on July 4, the same day as Partey’s arrest, said: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Meanwhile, Partey is reportedly close to completing a move to La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer.
He is understood to have passed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Spanish club, for whom he is expected to sign in the coming days. Recall that Partey previously played in Spain for Atlético Madrid, Mallorca, and Almería.
Coincidentally, Arsenal are set to face Villarreal in a friendly at the Emirates just a day after Partey’s court appearance.
The case has now been adjourned, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
The post Thomas Partey Granted Bail After Court Appearance Over Rape Charges appeared first on Naija News.
