Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two fresh rape charges, piling on his already serious legal troubles. The 32-year-old is accused of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third, with the latest allegations alleging he twice raped a woman in London in December 2020.
Seven Rape Charges and Growing
Partey, who swapped Arsenal for Villarreal last summer, was first charged in July with five counts of rape and one sexual assault accusation linked to 2021 and 2022. He denied all accusations and was scheduled to stand trial in November this year. In February, two additional rape charges were added. On Monday, Judge Tony Baumgartner ruled all charges will be tried together, potentially delaying the trial until January next year.
On Bail, Denying All Allegations
Now facing a total of seven rape counts and one sexual assault charge from four women, Partey confirmed his identity in court and entered not guilty pleas for the new claims. He was absent from a previous hearing but his lawyer made it clear he denies all allegations. The Ghanaian joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for around £45 million and left the club in June last year. He remains on bail with a strict no-contact order concerning the alleged victims.
Trial Details Still Uncertain
The case awaits a trial judge—expected to be Mr Justice Bennathan—with a pre-trial hearing set for May 14. The final trial date is pending confirmation once the judge’s appointment is official.
