Thomas Partey Denies Latest 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. Partey, who joined Villarreal from Arsenal last summer, was previously charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which date back to 2021 and 2022. He had already pleaded not guilty to these charges, with a trial set for November this year. The two new rape charges were announced in February, and Judge Tony Baumgartner has agreed to try all the allegations together. However, he warned that the trial may be delayed until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations from 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 two not guilty pleas. He left the court with his charcoal grey suit jacket slung over his shoulder. Partey was not present at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month when the charges were first heard, but his lawyer indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered. The Ghanaian midfielder, who previously lived in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, and played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2023, is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. Partey is currently on bail and is not allowed to contact the alleged victims. The case is set to be heard again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, with a decision on the trial date to be made once the judge has been confirmed.