Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to rape charges as trial date set for ex-Arsenal player

Partey appeared in court in London on Wednesday after featuring for new club Villarreal against Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The former Arsenal player spoke to confirm his name and then pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, as reported by The Athletic. The offences relate to alleged incidents that took place between 2021 and 2022, while Partey was playing for Arsenal. Partey will return to Southwark Crown Court to stand trial on November 2nd next year.

Partey moved from Arsenal to Villarreal in the summer transfer window after his contract expired and featured for the Spanish side against Tottenham in the Champions League on the eve of his court date. He appeared as a substitute during the match and was booed when he arrived in the 78th minute by the home support.

Villarreal manager Marcelino spoke about Partey before his side faced Spurs and said he was happy to have him in the team. He told reporters: "We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human. He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level."

Marcelino was also quizzed on the hostility Partey was expected to face from Spurs fans and added: "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent."

Partey remains free to play football as part of his bail conditions and has featured in all of Villarreal's matches so far this season. He could feature again for the Yellow Submarine on Saturday in La Liga against Osasuna.