Footballer Thomas Partey Charged With Rape

Former Arsenal and Ghana international footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022 and involve three women. Two rape charges relate to one woman, while three others are connected to a second woman. The sexual assault charge involves a third woman.

Partey, 32, denies all allegations. His lawyer stated he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

His contract with Arsenal officially ended on Monday. Partey joined the North London club from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for £45.3 million. During his time at Arsenal, he made 130 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals. Last season, he played 35 league matches and scored four times, helping the club secure a second-place finish. He also featured 12 times in the Champions League, with Arsenal reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

He has earned over 50 caps for the Ghanaian national team and most recently played in World Cup qualifiers in March.

The charges follow an investigation launched in February 2022 after an initial report of rape. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the case, emphasized support for the alleged victims and urged others affected to come forward.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the investigation team via email at CIT@met.police.uk.

Partey, who resides in Hertfordshire, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August.

In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said:

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.
Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”

BBC News has reached out to Arsenal FC, the Football Association, and the Premier League for comment.

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service said pic.twitter.com/xBtTssT8l9

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Source: BBC