Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old footballer appeared in court on Monday, denying the rape of a woman in London in December 2020. Partey, who joined Villarreal from Arsenal last summer, was previously charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which allegedly occurred between 2021 and 2022. He had already pleaded not guilty to these charges, with a trial initially set for November this year. The two new rape allegations, announced in February, will now be tried together with the previous charges. Judge Tony Baumgartner has warned that the trial may be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to allegations from four different 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 is expected to play for Ghana in the upcoming World Cup. His case will be heard in court again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, with the trial date to be confirmed later.