Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated the club “100 per cent” followed the right procedures regarding Thomas Partey, who was recently charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.
Thomas Partey, 32, faces five charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving three women. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022. He denies all allegations.
Charges were filed four days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30. Despite being arrested in July 2022, Thomas Partey continued playing for Arsenal while the investigation progressed. He was not publicly named at the time due to legal considerations.
In a statement to Sky Sports News, Arsenal clarified that Partey’s contract had ended and that the club would not comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Arteta Speaks Out on Pre-Season Tour
Speaking in Singapore during Arsenal’s pre-season tour, Arteta addressed the matter publicly for the first time since the charges were made.
“The club was very clear in its statement,” Arteta said. “There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated, so I cannot comment on any of that.”
When asked whether the club had acted appropriately, the manager responded: “100 per cent.”
Thomas Partey is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. The charges relate to incidents reported by three different women. According to the Metropolitan Police, two counts of rape relate to one woman, three to a second, and the sexual assault charge to a third.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings Continues with Thomas Partey Case
The Metropolitan Police began their investigation in February 2022, following an initial report of rape. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, said their priority remains providing support to the women involved.
In a public statement, Thomas Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman & Rose, confirmed that her client denies all allegations. She stated he has cooperated fully with both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service throughout the three-year investigation.
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further,” the statement said.
The Metropolitan Police has urged anyone with relevant information or anyone affected by the case to come forward.
Thomas Partey, now no longer under contract with Arsenal, will continue to face the legal process independently.
