Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault

Ghana midfielder, formerly with Arsenal, Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Friday.

The allegations stem from incidents reported by three different women between 2021 and 2022.

Partey faces two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 5.

Jaswant Narwal of the CPS stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.

“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.”

Narwal emphasised the importance of a fair trial, adding, “We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Meanwhile, Partey concluded his five-year tenure at Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract and was reportedly drawing interest from prominent clubs such as Juventus, Barcelona, and Fenerbahçe.

The Ghanaian international, who also has over 50 caps for his country, signed with Arsenal from Atlético Madrid.

While his progress at Arsenal was hindered by recurring injuries, Partey made a significant contribution, appearing 130 times for the club in the Premier League, including 35 appearances last season, where he netted four goals.