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 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 with the addition of two new rape charges, the trial may be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has now been accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by four different women. He appeared in court wearing a dark grey suit and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his not guilty pleas. Partey is currently on bail and is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. His case will be heard again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, where a decision on the trial date will be made.