Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey arrives at court to face rape charges
The midfielder faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following alleged offences between 2021 and 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
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 playing for north London club Arsenal.
Partey was wearing a black zip-neck jumper and held a navy blazer as he entered Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning, walking quickly past members of the press.
His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he 'denies all the charges against him', adding he welcomed 'the opportunity to finally clear his name'.
Partey, of Hertfordshire, is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts of rape against another.
The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, according to the CPS.
The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
Partey 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.'
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