UK court grants ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey bail on rape, assault charges

Former Arsenal and Ghanaian international midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in a London court on Tuesday to face multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 32-year-old footballer is accused of five counts of rape involving two women, as well as an additional charge of sexually assaulting a third woman. The alleged incidents reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022, during Partey’s tenure with English Premier League club Arsenal.

His court appearance came just four days after his contract with the English club officially ended in June.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Partey stood in the dock dressed in a black zip-up jumper, with his hands behind his back, as the case was heard.

British police said they first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.

Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he “denies all the charges against him”, adding he welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name”.

Partey joined Arsenal for £45 million ($60 million) from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.

He appeared 52 times for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals. Overall he played 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 on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”

Reports in recent days have linked Partey with a move to Spanish club Villarreal.