Thomas Partey Granted Bail Amid Rape Charges, Set to Join Villarreal

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted bail after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three different women. The charges come as he finalizes a move to Spanish side Villarreal, just weeks after his contract with Arsenal expired in June.

The 32-year-old appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier today, where the charges were formally read. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Partey is accused of raping two women on separate occasions, with one of the incidents allegedly occurring at his residence in Hertfordshire and another at a resort in Spain.

He is also accused of sexually assaulting a third woman, reportedly by trying to kiss and touch her without her consent. The court heard that she attempted to push him off, and he stopped after a few minutes.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Partey was granted conditional bail. His bail terms include a ban on contacting any of the three women involved and a requirement to notify the police of any permanent address changes or international travel.

The footballer is expected to appear next at the Crown Court on September 2.

Long-Running Investigation

The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, with the first report made to the Metropolitan Police in February 2022. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC explained that Partey had previously attended three voluntary interviews with police and had fully cooperated with the investigation.

According to the CPS, charges were brought after a comprehensive review of evidence collected during the three-year-long investigation.

Partey's Legal Team Responds

Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, released a statement on his behalf, asserting his innocence:

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

Arsenal Under Scrutiny

Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered with signs calling out Arsenal FC for their alleged silence over the case. One sign read: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing’. Then did nothing.”

Although Partey is no longer an Arsenal player, questions have been raised about how the club handled the situation while he was still under contract.