Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal player Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, appeared in court on Monday to deny the allegations, which date back to December 2020. Partey had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, and had also pleaded not guilty to those charges. The two new allegations were announced in February, and the judge has agreed to combine all the charges into a single trial. However, the trial may be delayed until January next year. In total, Partey has now denied seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations from four different women. Partey, who is on bail, is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. His case will be heard in court again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, where a decision will be made on the exact trial date.