Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey jeered on Villarreal debut in La Liga after free transfer as he faces rape & sexual assault charges

Four days after leaving Arsenal following the expiration of his contract, Partey, 32, was charged with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The Ghana international, who denies the charges, was granted conditional bail by Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.

Partey came off the bench to a mix of jeers and applause as Villarreal began their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Friday. Goals from Etta Eyong and Papa Gueye sealed the victory for Marcelino's side after Alberto Reina was sent off for the visitors.

Partey signed for Arsenal in a £45 million deal from Atletico Madrid in 2020. He made 167 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring nine goals and lifting the Community Shield in 2023.

Next up for Villarreal is a league clash against Girona at the Estadio de la Ceramica on August 24. Marcelino's men then travel to Celta Vigo in their first away match of the new season on August 31.