Thomas Partey Denies Two Fresh Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two additional allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court, denying two counts of rape allegedly committed in London in December 2020. Partey was previously charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, which he also denied. The new allegations, announced in February, will be tried together with the previous charges. Judge Tony Baumgartner agreed to combine the allegations but warned that the trial may 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 women. He was granted bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. Partey is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. His case will be reviewed in court on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, and a trial date will be confirmed once the judge is assigned.