By Bright Boabeng

Copyright ahotoronline

Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday, where he entered a not guilty plea to serious charges of rape and sexual assault involving three women.
A consistent response when he first appeared and granted bail Metropolitan Police Court in August. He has the the Southwark Crown Court he is not guilty.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international faced allegations related to incidents that reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time as a prominent player in the English Premier League.
During the court hearing, Partey formally pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges were brought against him just four days after his departure from Arsenal, the north London-based Premier League club, following the expiration of his contract at the end of June 2025.
Partey, who had been a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield, left the club after four years and subsequently signed with Spanish La Liga side Villarreal during the summer transfer window.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place while Partey was still an Arsenal player, a period during which he was a regular starter for the club.
Arsenal had signed the midfielder from Spanish club Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a transfer fee of 50 million euros ($59.2 million), and he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s midfield, known for his physicality, versatility, and defensive prowess.
However, his contract with the Gunners expired in June 2025, marking the end of his tenure with the club.
In court, Partey appeared in the dock and spoke only to confirm his identity, including his name and date of birth, before entering his not guilty pleas to all charges.
The hearing was part of the legal proceedings leading up to a trial, which has been scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026.
The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks, reflecting the complexity and seriousness of the case.
Partey’s court appearance coincided with his presence in London for professional commitments.
On the evening prior to the hearing, Tuesday, he featured as a second-half substitute in Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The midfielder faced a hostile reception from the Spurs fans, who booed him loudly every time he touched the ball, likely in response to the widely publicized charges.
Despite the off-field controversy, Partey remained focused on his professional duties, with Villarreal continuing to include him in their squad.
Following the hearing, Partey was released on bail pending his trial. The conditions of his bail were not publicly disclosed, but his release allows him to continue his professional career with Villarreal in the interim.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Partey’s high profile as an international footballer and his long tenure in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The allegations and subsequent legal proceedings mark a significant moment in Partey’s career, which has seen him rise from a talented prospect in Ghana to a key player for both club and country.
Born in Krobo Odumase, Ghana, Partey began his professional career with Atletico Madrid’s youth academy before breaking into the first team, where he won the UEFA Europa League and the Spanish La Liga title.
His move to Arsenal in 2020 was seen as a major coup for the Premier League club, but injuries and inconsistent form in his later years at the club tempered his impact.
As the case progresses, it is likely to remain a focal point in both the sports and legal spheres, with potential implications for Partey’s career and public image.
For now, the midfielder continues to prepare for his club commitments with Villarreal, while the legal process unfolds ahead of the scheduled trial in late 2026.