Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal player Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court, denying the rape of a woman in London in December 2020. Partey, who joined Villarreal from Arsenal last summer, was previously charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, which he also denied. A trial was set for November this year, but two new rape charges were announced in February, and the judge has agreed to try all allegations together, potentially delaying the trial until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations from four women. Wearing a dark grey and black outfit, Partey confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas during the hearing. He was absent from the initial hearing last month, but his lawyer had indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered. Partey, a key player for the Ghana national side, is expected to face England in the World Cup this summer. He is currently on bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on May 14, with a decision on the exact trial date to be made once the judge is confirmed.