logo
Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey granted conditional bail

Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey granted conditional bail

The Ghanaian midfielder, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player.
Partey stood with his arms behind his back in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, wearing a black zip-neck jumper.
The footballer, who gave his address as Potters Bar, showed no reaction as the charges were read out and was not asked to enter any pleas.
The alleged offences include incidents of anal rape, the court heard.
His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
It comes amid reports that Partey is set to join Spanish club Villarreal.
As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: 'I understand he's no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.'
Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.
He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.
A spokeswoman for Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence said they were 'profoundly disappointed' in the north London club for their handling of the matter.
Speaking outside court, Honor Barber told the PA news agency: 'We never wanted to be in a situation where the club that we love and the club that has values that we believe in was playing, week-in week-out, a player who is now facing court appearances on six counts of sexual violence.
'We protested outside almost every home game last season because we wanted to disrupt the wall of silence that the club has put up around this issue, and we did that because we want to support our club and feel happy and comfortable supporting our club.'
Members of the group held a banner which read 'Arsenal said: 'We do the right thing' then did nothing'.
Ms Barber said the group wanted Arsenal to publish their sexual violence policies, 'suspend anyone under investigation for sexual offences' and 'properly support the survivors'.
The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he 'denies all the charges against him', adding he welcomed 'the opportunity to finally clear his name'.
He joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth around £45 million.
The defensive midfielder signed for the Spanish club in 2012 and made 188 appearances, as well as going out on loan to Mallorca and Leganes.
He played 35 games for the north London club in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals.
Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana including at the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: 'The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rusty Viktor Gyokeres not a concern for Mikel Arteta after defeat
Rusty Viktor Gyokeres not a concern for Mikel Arteta after defeat

Times

time2 hours ago

  • Times

Rusty Viktor Gyokeres not a concern for Mikel Arteta after defeat

Within days of joining Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres has broken records for the sales of his No 14 jersey once worn by the club legend Thierry Henry. On Wednesday night, supporters turned out in replica kit for their first proper look at the club's new £64 million striker, hoping that he will convert the chances that might have made a difference in last season's campaign, where they were Premier League runners-up and Champions League semi-finalists. Yet there is work to do with 11 days to go before Arsenal begin their new campaign at Old Trafford. Gyokeres looked understandably rusty, short of fitness and his team-mates were not always in sync with his direct runs as Arsenal lost 3-2 to Villarreal at Emirates Stadium. Juan Foyth, formerly of Tottenham, tackles Gyokeres MARC ATKINS/GETTY IMAGES The most notable names on the scoresheet did not include Gyokeres. Nicolas Pépé, the forward who in 2019 became Arsenal's record signing at £72 million, opened the scoring for ­Villarreal and Christian Norgaard showed he quickly adapted to Arsenal's trademark set pieces by heading in Gabriel Martinelli's corner at the far post. While Arsenal conceded three poor goals, Gyokeres's best chance arrived after half-time, when he was released at an acute angle and shot at Luiz Júnior's goal. Early on he could not climb enough for a cross and mistimed a scissor kick. Twice he drifted left to create space for a dribble and shot. Gyokeres had a frustrating summer as he worked alone to build up his fitness as Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon haggled over the £8.6 million in potential add-ons on top of an initial £54.8 million transfer fee. He has only had a few training sessions at Arsenal after meeting the squad during their tour in Asia. Mikel Arteta said he has no doubts Gyokeres will be mentally ready, at least, by the start of the season. 'Mentally and understanding what he needs to do, it will be 100 per cent or more because he's so willing and so confident as well that he can deliver straight away,' Arteta said. Pépé didn't celebrate at the Emirates after scoring the opening goal of the friendly EDDIE KEOGH/GETTY IMAGES 'I have no doubt that he will be in a really good place. I hope days [for team-mates to get used to him] and every day in training he's getting a really good feeling. His fitness level, he hasn't really trained with the team for two months.' Gyokeres will play in the friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, although it is unclear whether a slight muscular issue will rule Kai Havertz out as it did last night. The 15-year-old Max Dowman impressed again as a substitute, winning a penalty that was converted by Martin Odegaard for 3-2. Gyokeres went off after 62 minutes and Arsenal searched for an equaliser with Mikel Merino up front, like last season. Pépé tapped home from close range after his initial shot rebounded off the post and Jakub Kiwior was outmuscled trying to clear the loose ball. Pépé's Arsenal contract was terminated in 2023, with a record of 27 goals in 112 games. Karl Etta Eyong converted from close range after David Raya parried Alberto Moleiro's shot. Arnaut Danjuma, the former Bournemouth winger, capitalised on further poor defending to fire across Kepa Arrizabalaga, who came on in the second half. 'The result is painful, we've been naive, especially defending open spaces,' Arteta said.

Democratic Los Angeles city councilwoman asks jaw-dropping question to LAFC's new star Son Heung-min
Democratic Los Angeles city councilwoman asks jaw-dropping question to LAFC's new star Son Heung-min

Daily Mail​

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Democratic Los Angeles city councilwoman asks jaw-dropping question to LAFC's new star Son Heung-min

Democratic Los Angeles city councilwoman Heather Hutt hilariously asked LAFC's newest A-list signing, Son Heung-min, if he will help the United States win next summer's World Cup. Son is South Korean. His responsibilities with the American club not doubling into national-team duty for the Stars and Stripes. The World Cup will be hosted primarily in the United States next summer, with SoFi Stadium in nearby Inglewood being the stage for two of the three group-stage games for the American squad against yet-to-be-determined opponents. Son will likely play at the tournament, as South Korea have qualified for the event, which expands to 48 teams in 2026. Hutt came off as excited for her hometown to garner a player of Son's quality but did not appear to understand how the World Cup works. 'How smart is LAFC? Let's give it up, because this is the right time to bring the right person. And no pressure, but when a World Cup comes, we're expecting a win here in Los Angeles for the USA, aren't we? And so we are here to support you to get that done,' Hutt said, staring at Son. Son was introduced by LAFC on Wednesday, with Hutt's comments coming as part of the event to welcome him after he exited Tottenham after 10 years. 'I want to welcome you to our city,' Hutt added. 'This is the way you do it, right? It is Los Angeles. It is a beautiful city. It's somewhere that we call the tapestry, and we love it here, and we're so glad to have you. Your bringing your smile and your talent, your culture, to LAFC.' Daily Mail has reached out to Hutt for clarification on her comments with no response. Hutt gave a little background as the councilwoman representing Los Angeles' 10th District, the home of Koreatown. Hutt stated that Los Angeles' Koreatown has more Koreans than any other city in the United States and has 'the best food' in the country. This is not the first time a world-renowned foreign soccer player has been asked about winning a World Cup upon their arrival on US soil. German sensation Bastian Schweinsteiger, fresh off helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup, was bizarrely asked if he would do the same with the Chicago Fire in 2017.

How bad can August storms get?
How bad can August storms get?

Spectator

time4 hours ago

  • Spectator

How bad can August storms get?

Injury time England bowler Chris Woakes won a standing ovation for coming out to bat against India at the Oval with his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder – although in the event he didn't have to face a ball before England lost. Some other sportsmen who carried on while injured: — Franz Beckenbauer played out half an hour of extra time during the semi final of the 1970 football World Cup, also with his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder. His German team beat Italy 4-3. — Manchester City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann played the last quarter of an hour of the 1956 FA Cup Final with a broken neck after colliding with a Birmingham City player. His side won 3-1. — Tiger Woods won the 2008 US Open in spite of playing with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and two stress fractures in his leg. World class The government wants to ban universities from taking foreign students where they have a high drop-out rate. Which countries sent the most students to Britain in 2023/24? India 166,310 China 149,885 Nigeria 57,505 Pakistan 45,720 US 23,250 Hong Kong 17,258 Malaysia 12,760 Bangladesh 12,285 Saudi Arabia 9,680 Source: Higher Education Statistics Authority Road toll How do deaths from drink-driving compare with those from driving under the influence of illegal or medical drugs? In 2023, 869 drivers died in road accidents. Of those: — 771 were tested for alcohol, which was found in 171 cases. — 27 were tested for medical drugs likely to cause impairment; 23 were positive. — 612 were tested for 'drugs of misuse', of which 131 were positive. Source: Department for Transport Storm surge Scotland and the north of England were hit by unusually strong storms by August standards. How bad can August storms get? — On 14 August 1979 a storm struck the Irish Sea during the Fastnet Yacht Race, with wind speeds of up to 63mph. Of 303 boats which began the race, only 86 finished; 15 competitors and 6 spectators died. — On 25 August 1986 ex-Hurricane Charley struck the British Isles with winds of up to 65mph. Ireland was especially affected, with 7.8in of rain in 24 hours.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store