Spanish club Villarreal has officially commented on Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey’s rape allegations after announcing his signing from Arsenal. Partey, who left Arsenal when his contract expired, has been charged in the UK with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women. He denies all the charges and was granted conditional bail, which prohibits him from contacting the accusers and requires him to notify police of any travel or address changes.
In their statement, Villarreal acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings in England, reaffirmed their respect for the principle of presumption of innocence, and said they will await the judicial outcome before making further remarks. Due to legal restrictions, the club cannot provide additional commentary on the matter presently. Villarreal also highlighted their strong commitment to respect, diversity, and condemning violence in all forms, including gender-based violence and discrimination.
The allegations were the result of a police investigation that began in February 2022, and the case has sparked protests among some Villarreal fans, with nearly 1,000 signing a petition opposing the transfer. Partey is expected to join Villarreal imminently and will appear in court at the Old Bailey in September.
This development comes shortly after Villarreal’s 3-2 friendly win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where Partey previously played. The club’s stance underscores their position to await judicial clarity while affirming respect for due process amid serious legal allegations.
