Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault

Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police. The charges span alleged incidents involving three different women. Two rape charges relate to one woman, three to another, and the single sexual assault charge to a third.

On Friday afternoon, the Met Police released a statement which reads: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives.

"The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1993), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 – 2022. The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape."

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”

Partey recently departed Arsenal after his contract at the Emirates Stadium expired. He signed for the club in 2020 and made 167 appearances in all competitions.

The Ghanaian footballer is now due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5.