Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, appeared at Southwark Crown Court to plead not guilty to twice raping a woman in London in December 2020. Partey had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, with the alleged incidents occurring in 2021 and 2022. He had already pleaded not guilty to those charges, with a trial initially set for November this year. The two new rape allegations were announced in February, and on Monday, the court decided to combine all the allegations into a single trial. However, Judge Tony Baumgartner warned that the trial may now be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has denied seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, all related to allegations made by four different women. Wearing a dark grey and black outfit, Partey confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas during the hearing. He had been absent from a previous court hearing last month, but his lawyer had indicated that he would plead not guilty. 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 the trial date to be confirmed later.