Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police. The alleged offences, involving three women, reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022.
The charges are broken down as follows: two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape involve a second woman, and one count of sexual assault pertains to a third woman.
The Ghanaian international, who has denied all allegations, is said to “welcome the opportunity to finally clear his name,” according to his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire. Wiltshire added that Partey has fully cooperated with authorities throughout the three-year investigation and will refrain from further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The investigation began in February 2022 following an initial police report of rape. Det Supt Andy Furphy, leading the case, stated, “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We urge anyone impacted or with additional information to contact our team.”
Partey, 32, whose contract with Arsenal expired on Monday after five seasons with the club, is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August. The BBC reports that Arsenal and the Football Association have been contacted for comment, while the Premier League has declined to respond.
Thomas Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for £45.3 million, making 130 Premier League appearances and scoring nine goals. He featured prominently last season, playing 35 league matches and 12 Champions League games as Arsenal reached the semi-finals. Partey has also earned over 50 caps for Ghana’s national team, most recently participating in World Cup qualifiers in March.
The investigation remains active, with the Metropolitan Police encouraging anyone with relevant information to email CIT@met.police.uk.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
