Villarreal fans decry Thomas Partey’s proposed signing as club's 'darkest day'
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is accused of rape. Picture: Yui Mok/PA
News that the former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is poised to join Villarreal has roiled fans of the Spanish club, with hundreds signing a petition urging the club to halt what has been described as the “darkest day in the club’s history”.
Partey appeared in a London court on Tuesday, charged with five counts of rape relating to two women, and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2021 and 2022 when Partey was playing for Arsenal. Partey’s lawyer has said he denies all the charges.
