Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has broken his silence on the club’s handling of midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges shortly after his departure from the Emirates.
Partey, who left Arsenal on June 30 following the expiry of his contract, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The Ghanaian international is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022. He was first arrested in July 2022, but continued playing for the Gunners while under investigation.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta insisted that the club “100 per cent” followed proper procedures in dealing with the matter. “It’s a very complicated legal case,” Arteta said, declining to go into details but maintaining the club acted appropriately amid growing scrutiny.
The Telegraph earlier reported that Arsenal, the Premier League, and the Football Association were aware of concerns regarding Partey’s conduct as early as September 2021. However, no formal investigation was launched at the time, reportedly due to the scope of the FA’s safeguarding responsibilities.
Partey played over 50 games for Arsenal while on bail. His legal team has stated he “denies all the charges” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, emphasized that the player has fully cooperated with authorities during the three-year investigation led by Scotland Yard.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges came after reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is overseeing the investigation, said police are focused on supporting the women who have come forward and encouraged anyone with further information to contact the investigating team.
Written By Rodney Mbua
