Thomas Partey to Face Court on Rape Charges After Villarreal’s Champions League Clash With Tottenham

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to appear in court on rape charges just a day after featuring in Villarreal’s Champions League fixture against Tottenham in London later this month.

Partey, now playing for Villarreal following his departure from Arsenal, is due at Southwark Crown Court on September 17. The case was initially scheduled for a hearing at the Old Bailey but was adjourned without explanation.

The Ghanaian international faces five counts of rape—two involving one woman and three involving another—as well as an additional sexual assault allegation from a third woman, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). He denies all charges.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. Police confirmed that the first complaint was filed in February 2022. Partey previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail under conditions prohibiting him from contacting the complainants.

His transfer to Villarreal in early August sparked outrage, with fans petitioning against the move and jeering him during his debut against Oviedo. Despite the backlash, he has since made three LaLiga appearances.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig has defended the signing, stressing the principle of presumption of innocence:

“The player is undergoing legal proceedings and maintains his innocence. It is for the English courts to clarify the facts. Until then, he has the right to work as any other citizen.”

Partey is also expected to represent Ghana in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali before his court appearance.

The midfielder could face a particularly hostile reception at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, given his history as a former Arsenal player.