Ex-Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Granted Bail in Rape Case
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after facing rape and sexual assault charges in a London court.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He faces five counts of rape involving two women, and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged incidents took place between 2021 and 2022 while he was with the Premier League club.
Partey was formally charged on July 4, just days after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June. Dressed in a black zip-neck jumper, he stood in the dock with his arms behind his back as the charges were read aloud. He did not enter any pleas and remained expressionless throughout the proceedings.
Partey’s legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, had earlier stated that he “denies all the charges” and looks forward to “clearing his name.”
As part of his bail conditions, Partey must not contact any of the three alleged victims and is required to inform police of any changes to his permanent address or if he travels abroad. He has recently been linked with a potential transfer to Spanish club Villarreal.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, while considering bail conditions, noted, “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and is now playing in Spain.” Partey is scheduled to appear next at London’s Old Bailey court on September 2.
Outside the court, Honour Barber of Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence expressed strong disappointment with how the club handled the matter. “We never wanted to be in a position where a player accused of six counts of sexual violence was playing regularly for Arsenal,” she told the PA news agency. The group had staged protests outside nearly every home match last season, criticising the “wall of silence” from the club.
Barber urged Arsenal to publish its sexual violence policy, suspend any player under investigation for sexual offences, and offer proper support to survivors.
British police received the initial report of rape in February 2022.
Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 for £45 million from Atlético Madrid. He made 52 appearances and scored four goals last season. In total, he played 167 games for the North London club, netting nine goals. Internationally, he has earned 51 caps for Ghana.
An Arsenal spokesperson stated: “The player’s contract ended in June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club cannot comment further.”
