Former Arsenal Footballer Thomas Partey Granted Bail On Rape Charges

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2 days ago

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail on rape and sexual assault charges.
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey was granted conditional bail on Tuesday after appearing in a London court on rape and sexual assault charges.
The 32-year-old Ghana international faces five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time with Arsenal.
Partey was charged on July 4, just four days after his contract with the Gunners expired at the end of June. The midfielder appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, wearing a black zip-neck jumper, and stood with his arms behind his back in the dock.
The footballer showed no reaction as the charges were read out and was not asked to enter any pleas. Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously stated that Partey 'denies all the charges against him" and welcomed 'the opportunity to finally clear his name."
Under his bail conditions, Partey is prohibited from contacting any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. Recent reports have linked Partey with a move to La Liga club Villarreal.
During the discussion of bail conditions in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remarked, 'I understand he's no longer employed in this country and is now playing in Spain." Partey is due to appear at London's Old Bailey court on September 2.
A spokesperson for Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence expressed 'profound disappointment" in the club's handling of the matter. Speaking outside the court, Honour Barber told the PA news agency, 'We never wanted to be in a situation where the club that we love and believe in was playing a player week-in, week-out who is now facing court appearances on six counts of sexual violence. We protested outside almost every home game last season to disrupt the wall of silence the club has put up around this issue."
Barber stated that the group wanted the club to publish their sexual violence policies, 'suspend anyone under investigation for sexual offences," and 'properly support the survivors." British police first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
Partey joined Arsenal for £45 million ($60 million) from Atletico Madrid in October. He appeared 52 times for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals and has played a total of 167 games for the club, scoring nine times.
Partey has also made 51 appearances for Ghana. An Arsenal spokesman previously said: 'The player's contract ended in June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case."
(With AFP Inputs)
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