Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey pleaded not guilty to the rape charges against him.
Partey, 32, is accused of five counts of rape against two alleged victims, as well as one count of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged crimes occurred between 2021 and 2022, when the footballer played for Arsenal.
During a brief hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, Partey only confirmed his name, date of birth and pleaded not guilty.
The Ghanaian international, who currently plays for Villarreal of Spain, will face trial before a High Court judge in the same court on November 2 of next year.Thomas Partey negó los cargos de violación y agresión en el Tribunal de la Corona de Southwark el miércoles.Partey’s last appearance before the court came a day after he came on as a substitute in his new club’s Champions League match against Tottenham in London.
At the end of the hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir told Partey: “Your trial will take place in this court on November 2 of next year, 2026.”
Partey booed by Tottenham fans before court hearing.
Arteta backs Arsenal protocols regarding Partey.
“I understand that it’s well in advance. As you can see, the crown courts have a huge backlog of work, which means that trials take a long time to be held.
“Because he has bail, he is effectively sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried.”
The judge granted bail under the same conditions imposed on Partey in a previous hearing: that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify the police of any permanent change of address or international travel.
