Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal football player Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared in court on Monday, denying the allegations of 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, to which he also pleaded not guilty. A trial was initially set for November this year, but with the addition of two new rape charges announced in February, the trial date may now be pushed back to January next year. The footballer, who currently plays for Villarreal, has now been accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by four different women. During the hearing, Partey, dressed in a dark grey suit, confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas. He was granted bail with the condition that he must not contact the alleged victims. Partey is expected to play for Ghana in the upcoming World Cup and will appear in court again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing to determine the exact trial date.