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, where he pleaded not guilty to twice raping a woman in London in December 2020. This comes after Partey was 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, initially set for November, may be delayed until January next year. In total, Partey has now pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to allegations from four women. During the 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, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and left for Villarreal last summer, 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 is confirmed.