Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey granted conditional bail after appearing in court over rape charges

Partey arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a hearing after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The 32-year-old denies all allegations and has now been granted bail after appearing in court. His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire has previously said that Partey welcomes "the opportunity to finally clear his name", per BBC Sport.

Partey was charged by the Metropolitan Police in July, four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired, with the alleged incidents relating to three women and having taken place between 2021–2022. The midfielder is expected to continue his playing career despite the charges against him and is reportedly set to sign a contract with La Liga side Villarreal following his Arsenal exit, although a supporters' club has criticised the Spanish team's pursuit of the midfielder.

When discussing bail in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.”

Partey's bail conditions mean he cannot contact any of the three women and must also notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel, according to the Evening Standard. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.