Ex-Arsenal's Partey to Plead Not Guilty to New Rape Charges

A London court heard on Friday that former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey intends to plead not guilty to two new charges of rape involving a woman in December 2020. The 32-year-old Ghana international, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was absent from the preliminary hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court but had been excused from attending.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram presided over the brief session, during which Partey's lawyer, Emma Fenn, confirmed his planned not guilty pleas to both counts. Prosecutor Arabella MacDonald told the court that the allegations stem from an incident on the same day in London, where Partey is accused of raping the woman twice. MacDonald noted that the complainant came forward after the initial set of charges against Partey received widespread media coverage.

The case has been transferred to Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on April 10, 2026, where Partey is expected to appear in person. He was released on bail with the condition that he not contact the alleged victim.

These new charges add to existing allegations against the midfielder. Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service charged Partey with five counts of assault...