Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old athlete appeared in Southwark Crown Court on Monday, entering not guilty pleas for allegedly raping a woman in London in December 2020. Partey, who transferred to Villarreal from Arsenal last summer, was previously charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, dating back to 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 were announced in February, and Judge Tony Baumgartner has decided to try all the allegations together, warning that the trial may be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has now denied seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from allegations by four different women. During the hearing, Partey, dressed in dark grey trousers, a black jumper, and smart black shoes, confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas. He had been absent from a previous hearing last month, but his lawyer had indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered. Partey, a key player for the Ghana national team, is expected to face England in the World Cup this summer. He is currently on bail, with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. The case is set to be heard by Mr Justice Bennathan, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 14 to determine the exact trial date.