Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with 5 counts of rape and one depend of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service introduced this afternoon.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 when he was below contract with the North London membership.
Partey’s deal on the Emirates expired earlier this week and he’s now a free agent.
The CPS mentioned the fees contain three ladies. The 32-year-old is scheduled to seem at Westminster Magistrates Court docket on August 5.
Jaswant Narwal, of the CPS, mentioned: “The Crown Prosecution Service has right this moment authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for a number of counts of rape – after fastidiously reviewing a complete file of proof. Our prosecutors have labored carefully with officers within the Metropolitan Police who’ve carried out the investigation, to overview the proof and advise on the suitable costs.
“We remind everybody that legal proceedings are lively, and the defendant has the appropriate to a good trial. We all know there shall be vital public curiosity on this announcement, however it’s completely important that there isn’t any reporting, commentary or sharing of data on-line which may in any method prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, mentioned in an announcement: “Thomas Partey denies all the fees towards him. He has totally co-operated with the police and CPS all through their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the chance to lastly clear his identify.
“On condition that there at the moment are ongoing authorized proceedings, my shopper is unable to remark additional.”
Partey a mainstay of the Arsenal midfield
Partey made 52 appearances for Arsenal final season, incomes the reward of boss Mikel Arteta, because the group completed runners-up to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Arteta mentioned: “Consistency-wise it’s been his greatest season.
“The way in which he’s performed, carried out, his availability, has been distinctive and he’s a very vital participant for us.”
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45million however, talking final month, hinted he was keen to hunt a brand new problem this summer time.
Talking on Ghanaian tv station TV3 whereas on worldwide responsibility, he mentioned: “The very first thing is the place you might be glad and the place you’re feeling at dwelling.
“On the finish of the day you’ve been in soccer, you’ve been in numerous groups. Then it’s about what’s your subsequent goal and what do you need to obtain subsequent.
“You continue to have to take a look at all this and on the finish of the day all of us have a household that wants cash, that is [in] our thoughts.”
Partey – I’m an Arsenal fan
Partey has been an everyday goal for opposing followers over latest seasons and he admits the happiness of his household is paramount.
He added: “We aren’t getting youthful. There are plenty of issues the place it’s important to look now with a household, the place you need them to be glad.
“Whenever you exit, no person goes to destroy your loved ones, these are issues it’s important to have a look at. When you find yourself younger, you might be simply anyplace.”