Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court to plead not guilty to twice raping a woman in London in December 2020. Partey, who now plays for Villarreal, 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 the emergence of two new rape charges in February may cause a delay until January next year. The footballer has now pleaded not guilty to a total of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations from four women. Partey, who is on bail with conditions not to contact the alleged victims, is expected to face England in the World Cup this summer as part of the Ghana national team. His case is set for a pre-trial hearing on May 14, with a decision on the exact trial date to be made once the trial judge is confirmed.