I didn't do it - Thomas Partey pleads 'not guilty' to raping two women

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual offence charges at Southwark Crown Court. 

The 32-year-old, now at Villarreal, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The alleged offences involve two women who accuse him of rape and a third who alleges sexual assault. 

They are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during Partey’s spell with Arsenal.

At Wednesday’s brief hearing on Sept. 17, Partey spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and enter his pleas.

 He appeared calm and was accompanied by legal representatives. 

A full trial has been scheduled for November 2, 2026 and is expected to last up to eight weeks. 

Judge Christopher Hehir noted the delay was due to the backlog in crown court cases.

Partey was granted bail on the same conditions imposed earlier this year. 

He is banned from contacting the three complainants and must inform police of any change of address or plans to travel abroad.

Judge Hehir told the midfielder as quoted by The Indepenent: “Your trial will take place at this court on 2 November next year. I appreciate that is quite a long way in advance. The crown courts have a huge backlog of work which means that trials do take a long time to come on. 

“Because you have bail, you are sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried.”

Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 in a £45 million transfer.

 He made 167 appearances for the north London side before leaving this summer when his contract expired. 

An Arsenal spokesperson said: “The player’s contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”

Partey signed for Villarreal in August, much to the displeasure of fans of the LaLiga club.

He featured as a substitute in their Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur in London less than 24 hours before his court appearance.