Carlos Queiroz defends Thomas Partey after Wales friendly booing
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has come to the defence of Thomas Partey after the midfielder was booed by sections of the crowd during the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw against Wales, insisting that individuals should not be condemned before legal proceedings are concluded.
Partey, who is facing rape allegations, featured in the first half of Ghana’s final warm-up match before the Black Stars depart for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder’s appearance drew a mixed reaction from supporters, with some audible boos heard during the game at Cardiff City Stadium.
Ghana took the lead through Caleb Yirenkyi before Wales fought back to secure a draw in a match that formed part of black Stars teams’ preparations for the World Cup tournament.
Speaking after the game, Queiroz voiced concern about what he described as a growing tendency for people to be judged publicly before courts have reached a verdict.
“I’m not surprised. We live in a weird world,” the Portuguese coach said.
“You should be concerned with how this modern world works, where anyone can say or do whatever they want with total impunity. Nobody should be judged or condemned before a court makes a decision.”
Queiroz argued that the principle of presumed innocence should be respected and suggested that both traditional and social media have contributed to an environment where public opinion often forms before legal processes are completed.
“The presumption of innocence must apply to everyone, starting with you, the press,” he said.
“But you publish things before the court. That’s your problem. You are responsible for creating this culture of impunity.”
The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach added that public figures, including players and managers, are increasingly exposed to criticism and abuse in the digital age.
“I hear barbaric things said about me, about players, about coaches. But I can’t shut myself off,” he said.
“It’s the modern world. I have to accept it. But honestly, I don’t like it. I have the right to say I don’t like it.
“I don’t like seeing this energy of impunity on social media and in the media, that you can do and say anything you want. That is the biggest challenge of the modern world, in my humble opinion.”
The comments come as Ghana intensify preparations for the World Cup, where the Black Stars will be hoping to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2010.
For now, however, attention has shifted from football matters to the wider debate surrounding due process, public scrutiny and the role of the media, with Queiroz making clear where he stands on the issue.
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