Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he was formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The 32-year-old Ghana international is accused of committing the alleged offences between 2021 and 2022, during his time at the north London club. The charges involve two women in the rape allegations and a third woman in the sexual assault charge.
Partey was charged four days after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June. He appeared in court dressed in a black zip-neck jumper and black trousers, carrying a navy blazer.
His bail conditions include a ban on contacting any of the three complainants and a requirement to notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
According to British police, the investigation began in February 2022 after an initial report of rape was received. Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has previously stated that he “denies all the charges against him” and welcomes “the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million and made 167 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals. He played 52 matches for Arsenal last season, finding the net four times. He has also made 51 appearances for the Ghana national team.
An Arsenal spokesperson commented: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Recent reports have linked Partey with a move to Spanish club Villarreal, with suggestions of a potential one-year deal and an option for a 12-month extension.
Partey is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September.
