LONDON — Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual offence charges during a court appearance in London, setting the stage for a high-profile trial next year.
The 32-year-old, now playing for Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. He is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 while he was with Arsenal. Partey denied all charges.
The Ghana international was granted bail. His trial has been scheduled for 2 November 2026.
Partey’s court appearance came less than 24 hours after he featured for Villarreal in the Champions League against Tottenham Hotspur. He came off the bench in the 78th minute, greeted with boos from Spurs supporters inside the stadium.
Speaking before the match, Villarreal manager Marcelino praised Partey’s influence on the pitch and within the dressing room.
“We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human,” Marcelino said. “He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level.”
Pressed about the criticism Partey was expected to face in England, Marcelino urged caution.
“We’re talking about a player that could be totally innocent,” he added.
Partey joined Villarreal this summer after his contract with Arsenal expired. He had spent three years in north London, signing from Atlético Madrid in 2020.
The midfielder will return to Southwark Crown Court for trial next year, where the allegations will be tested in full.
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