Thomas Partey Denies Latest Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared in court on Monday to deny the accusations of raping a woman 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. A trial was initially set for November this year, but with the introduction of two new rape charges in February, the court has decided to try all allegations together, potentially delaying the trial until January next year. In total, Partey now faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations from four women. During Monday's hearing, Partey, dressed in dark grey trousers and a black jumper, confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas. 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 listed in court again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, where a decision on the trial date will be made once the judge has been confirmed.