Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to multiple rape charges in London Court

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape charges after appearing before Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday, September 17.

The 32-year-old Ghana international, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal in June, entered pleas to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Speaking briefly in court, he confirmed his name, date of birth, and denied all charges.

Just hours earlier, Partey featured for Villarreal in their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He was booed and jeered by Spurs fans while warming up and again when he came on as a substitute in the second half. It was his first match in England since being formally charged in July.

Partey remains on conditional bail, with restrictions including:

• No contact with the three complainants.


• Informing police of any permanent change of address.


• Notifying authorities of international travel plans.

The bail terms, however, do not prevent him from continuing to play football.

Police investigations began in February 2022 following an initial report of rape. Prosecutors allege the following:

• Two counts of rape involving one woman.


• Three counts of rape involving a second woman.


• One count of sexual assault involving a third woman.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges in July after reviewing evidence submitted by the Metropolitan Police.

Jaswant Narwal of the CPS said at the time:

“The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape, after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Criminal proceedings are now active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.”

Partey, represented by lawyer Ms. Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, maintains his innocence.

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,” his lawyer said in a statement. “He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid in a £45 million move and went on to make 167 appearances for the Gunners, including 52 last season across all competitions.

Despite manager Mikel Arteta’s reported desire to keep him, Partey departed when his contract expired.

His signing by Villarreal has proved controversial, with over 1,000 fans signing a petition opposing the move.

He was jeered during his debut against Real Oviedo in August and again during matches against Atlético Madrid and Tottenham.