- Thomas Partey, former Arsenal midfielder now playing for Villarreal, is set to appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 17, charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women.
- The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022.
- His hearing was originally scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey but was adjourned without explanation.
- Despite public backlash, including protests from Villarreal fans, Partey continues to play for both club and country, with upcoming matches against Tottenham and Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers.
Thomas Partey’s return to London this month won’t just be for football — it’ll be for court.
The former Arsenal star, now with Spanish side Villarreal, is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 17 to face five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges, brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, involve three women and stem from alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022.
Partey’s hearing was initially set for September 2 at the Old Bailey but was quietly adjourned without explanation. The timing of the new date — just one day after Villarreal’s Champions League clash with Tottenham in London — has intensified scrutiny.
The midfielder, who left Arsenal after his contract expired in June, has faced fierce backlash over his move to Villarreal. Fans signed petitions and booed him during his debut against Oviedo. Despite the controversy, Partey has made three LaLiga appearances and is expected to feature in Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has defended the club’s decision, citing the presumption of innocence. “He is not a convicted player,” Roig said, urging fans to wait for the courts to determine the facts.
Partey denies all charges and remains out on bail, with conditions barring him from contacting the alleged victims. The Metropolitan Police first received a report in February 2022, and the case has since expanded to include multiple allegations.
As the legal process unfolds, Partey’s presence on the pitch continues to divide opinion — with some calling for suspension, and others insisting he deserves the right to play until proven guilty.
