Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has denied two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old athlete appeared in Southwark Crown Court on Monday to plead not guilty to the charges, which involve the alleged rape of a woman in London in December 2020. Partey, who joined Villarreal from Arsenal last summer, had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, dating back to 2021 and 2022, and had pleaded not guilty to those charges. A trial for the initial charges was set for November this year. However, with the two new rape charges announced in February, the trial may now be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to allegations from four different women. During the hearing, Partey, dressed in dark grey trousers, a black jumper, and smart black shoes, confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas. He had been absent from the previous hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court but his lawyer had indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered. Partey, a key player for the Ghana national team, is expected to face England in the World Cup this summer. He is currently on bail and is not allowed to contact the alleged victims during the proceedings. The case is set to be heard by Mr Justice Bennathan, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 14 to determine the exact trial date.