Former Arsenal Player Denies Two New Counts of Rape

Thomas Partey, a 32-year-old former Arsenal footballer, has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh rape accusations. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he rejected claims of assaulting a woman in London during December 2020. Partey, who moved to Villarreal from Arsenal last summer, was charged in July 2023 with five additional rape counts and one sexual assault, tied to incidents reported in 2021 and 2022. The player has now denied all these charges, bringing the total to seven rape allegations and one sexual assault involving four women.

The trial, initially set for November 2023, is likely to be postponed until January 2027 due to the new cases. Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, approved the consolidation of all charges into a single proceeding. Partey, dressed in dark grey trousers, a black jumper over a white shirt, and smart black shoes, confirmed his identity and pleaded not guilty during the hearing.

In a previous session at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Partey did not attend in person, but his legal team indicated the not guilty pleas would be submitted. He remains under bail, with the condition that he avoids contact with the alleged victims. The Ghana international joined Arsenal in 2020 for a £45m transfer and left the club in June 2023. He is anticipated to represent his country at the upcoming World Cup.

Partey’s next court appearance is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on 14 May. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings unfold. For more updates, follow BBC Radio London on Sounds and BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Submit story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.