THOMAS PARTEY was heckled by Tottenham fans while back in London to play against them in the Champions League.
The midfielder, 32, was warming up on the sidelines for Villarreal, whom he joined in the summer following the expiry of his contract at Arsenal, when the home support was heard laying into him.
The Ghana international is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court tomorrow after being charged with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
Partey was charged last month, but denies the charges, which allegedly took place between 2021 and 2022 when he played for the Gunners.
He was granted conditional bail and then signed for La Liga outfit Villarreal two days later.
Before the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – his first in the UK since the charges came to light – manager Marcelino García Toral said he was sure Partey was “ready” for the game and possibility of facing a hostile atmosphere.
He said: “I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow.
“For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human.
“He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level.”
Asked whether he had spoken to Partey about the game, he continued: “We’re interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent.
“We’re playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football.
“This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you.”
Partey has played four times in La Liga for Villarreal so far this season, starting just once.
Following the announcement of his move to the Spanish club, Villarreal released a statement acknowledging that proceedings against Partey were ongoing.
It read: “Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian to join the Yellow ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the training ground.
“Thomas Teye Partey (Krobo Odumase, 13/06/93) is a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes.
“He is an excellent ball winner and has the ability to start moves from deep.
“The African footballer also boasts a good shot from mid-range and has the ability to break lines while driving forward.
“The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team.
“He has also represented Arsenal FC, Atletico de Madrid, UD Almeria and RCD Mallorca.
“With the English side, he won the FA Community Shield (2023/24), while with the Madrid outfit he lifted the LaLiga title (2020/21), the Uefa Super Cup (2018/19) and the Uefa Europa League (2017/18).
“On the other hand, the club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England.
“The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.
“The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case.
“Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.”
The statement added: “Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and strongly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals.”
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