Ex-Arsenal midfielder Partey joins Villarreal after bail on rape charges

Thomas Partey, a Ghana international, recently left Arsenal for La Liga side Villarreal.

The 32-year-old left the Gunners at the end of June after signing for them for a £45 million deal from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

Four days later, Partey was accused of sexual assaulting a third woman and five counts of rape against two other women.

Partey, who denies the accusations, was given a conditional bail hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Partey must notify police of any permanent address changes or travel abroad in accordance with the bail conditions.

Villarreal stated in a statement that the organization is aware that the player is currently facing legal issues in England.

The player firmly refutes all accusations leveled against him and says he is innocent.

The club adheres to the presumptive of innocence, which is the foundation of the legal system, and will hold the case’s outcome in mind as it becomes clear that the facts are the subject.

Partey was the subject of a detectives’ investigation that began in February 2022, leading to the charge.

Nearly 1, 000 people have signed a petition to protest Partey’s signing that was created by online content hub The Villarreal Report.

In addition, Villarreal added that it “strongly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behavior that undermines the dignity of individuals.”

Partey will start his new club on Friday and will make an appearance at the Old Bailey on September 2.