Mikel Arteta convinced Arsenal were '100%' right in handling of Thomas Partey after midfielder charged over multiple counts of rape & sexual assault
Charged after contract expired
Due in court on August 5, 2025
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault relating to alleged offences that took place between 2021 and 2022. Partey was first arrested in 2022 but was not named at the time and continued to represent Arsenal.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
His contract at Emirates Stadium came to an end on June 30, as he was released as a free agent, and he was charged four days later. Arsenal said at the time: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case."
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Quizzed on the matter during Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, with the Premier League outfit currently in Singapore, Arteta said: "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that."
Pressed on whether he was confident that the club had followed all of the correct processes relating to Partey, the Spaniard added: "100 per cent."
WHAT NEXT FOR PARTEY?
Partey is due to appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. The 32-year-old has always maintained his innocence and denies all of the allegations made against him.
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