 Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was granted conditional bail on Tuesday after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, facing multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 32-year-old footballer has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. The charges involve three different women.
Partey, who stood in the dock with his arms behind his back, appeared wearing a dark zip-up sweater and carrying a suit jacket. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said he denies all the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The Metropolitan Police began investigating the case in February 2022, after receiving an initial report of rape. Partey was formally charged on July 4, just days after his contract with Arsenal Football Club expired at the end of June.
According to court proceedings, the conditions of his bail include that he must not contact any of the three women involved in the case. He is also required to inform police of any permanent address changes or international travel.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, presiding over the hearing, acknowledged that Partey is no longer working in the United Kingdom. “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now,” Goldspring said.
Although Partey is now a free agent, reports suggest he is set to join Spanish club Villarreal, following the end of his time with Arsenal.
Partey is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2 for the next stage of the legal proceedings.
