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. Partey, who now plays for Villarreal, had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, with the alleged incidents dating back to 2021 and 2022. He had already pleaded not guilty to those charges, with a trial initially set for November this year. The two new rape allegations were announced in February, and Judge Tony Baumgartner has agreed for all the allegations to be tried together. However, he warned that the trial may now be delayed until January next year. In total, Partey has denied 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's lawyer had previously indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered when the charges were first brought before a judge last month. The Ghanaian midfielder, who previously lived in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, and joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for around £45m, is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. Partey is currently on bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. The case is next due to be listed in court for a pre-trial hearing on May 14, with a decision on the exact trial date to be taken once the judge has been confirmed.