Sports

Partey attends second UK court hearing after UCL match, reacts to support from unknown man

By Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe,Samuel Obour

Copyright yen

Partey attends second UK court hearing after UCL match, reacts to support from unknown man

Thomas Partey has appeared in court for the second time since being formally charged with multiple counts of sexual offencesThe alleged incidents reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022, during his stay in EnglandHis latest appearance came just hours after making his Champions League debut for Villarreal

New footage has surfaced showing Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey arriving at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, September 17.

The 32-year-old walked into the building dressed in an all-black outfit, his second public appearance at court since being formally charged on July 4 with six counts of sexual offences involving multiple women.

Thomas Partey appears at Southwark Crown Court

Outside the courthouse, the scene was packed with cameras and reporters trying to capture every moment.

Partey maintained a calm expression as he made his way through the entrance.

Amid the tension, one voice rose above the crowd. In Twi, a man called out, “Nyame nka wo ho, wai,” which means “May God be with you.”

Partey responded with a simple thumbs-up, acknowledging the rare note of encouragement.

Watch the video:

After the clip made its way online, many, especially Ghanaians, flooded the comments section to rally behind Partey. YEN.com.gh gathered a few reactions from X (formerly Twitter):

@BootGarage encouraged:

“They only want to frustrate him, but in my tribe, when such obstacles arise, we overcome them. STAYSTRONG BRO🦁”

@hernandes_owura applauded the supporter for his kind words:

“That’s a good message for him 🫡”

@robertb228312 simply expressed love:

“Ghanaians ❤️❤️❤️🥰”

His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has consistently reaffirmed his position, insisting that her client will fight the accusations.

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” she said in a statement.

The charges surfaced shortly after his contract with Arsenal came to an end, closing a five-year chapter in north London.

With Wednesday’s hearing, the case has officially moved forward after two previous adjournments.

According to Sky Sports, a full trial may not begin until 2026, leaving the road ahead uncertain and Partey’s career hanging in the balance.

Hostile return to England before court hearing

Just hours before his appearance in court, Partey featured for Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League opener against Tottenham Hotspur.

His return to England was anything but welcoming. As he walked into the stadium before kick-off, he was heckled by an unseen supporter.

When coach Marcelino introduced him in the 78th minute, replacing Pape Gueye, the atmosphere turned even more hostile, as noted by The Sun.

Thousands of Spurs fans erupted into boos, and according to The Sun, chants of “You know what you are” echoed around the stands.

Watch as Spurs fans boo Partey:

It was a stark reminder that, beyond the legal battle awaiting him in the courtroom, Partey also faces a difficult reception whenever he sets foot on English soil.

Partey could face a prolonged jail term

Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Thomas Partey could be handed a lengthy jail term if convicted of the sexual offence charges against him, according to Ghanaian lawyer Kofi Ampah.

Ampah, however, emphasised that while the allegations are severe, the judicial process must be conducted with fairness and impartiality.

Source: YEN.com.gh