Thomas Partey: Villarreal chief speaks out after ex-Arsenal star booed amid rape charges
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has leapt to the defence of Thomas Partey and urged people to "not judge prematurely" after he was booed during the club's pre-season friendly against Aston Villa.
The ex- Arsenal midfielder made the move to the Spanish side earlier this month and the game at the weekend was his first for his new club. Partey arrives in La Liga as he stands accused of five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman - charges which came just days after his contract at the Emirates expired.
Partey has previously denied all the charges against him.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court last week to face the charges before being granted conditional bail. His bail conditions meant he cannot contact the three women involved and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
After his appearance in court the Ghanaian was able to complete his move to Villarreal, but it has courted controversy ever since and jeers rang out at the weekend, but Roig claims that was not from the home fans, only the away following.
He said after their 2-0 loss to Villa: "The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him.
"The club upholds the presumption of innocence, and it will be the responsibility of the English courts to clarify the facts. We have spent years demonstrating our values with all kinds of activities. We respect the presumption of innocence and, of course, condemn any type of violence, whether inside or outside of football. At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.'
Roig was pressed on the boos that were directed at his players but added: "The English [Aston Villa fans] whistled Partey. Not the Villarreal fans.
"I wouldn't like our own fans to whistle at players on our team. We must stand with the team and respect the presumption of innocence. He is not a convicted player. We must be cautious and wait for justice. Let's not judge prematurely. Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction."
Partey will defend himself in court in London next month, Arsenal have come under fire in the wake of his rape charges. However Mikel Arteta has come out and maintained the club acted appropriately. He said he was "100 percent" confident the club followed all the right processes.
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