Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is scheduled to appear in Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea and trial preparation hearing on charges of rape and sexual assault, just hours after playing in a Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who joined Villarreal last month after his Arsenal contract expired in June 2025, was met with boos from the crowd when substituted on in the 78th minute of Tuesday's 1-0 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Partey, who made 35 appearances for Arsenal last season, has denied the five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, with his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire stating he "denies all the charges against him."

The Metropolitan Police received the initial rape allegation in February 2022. Partey was charged in July 2025, four days after leaving Arsenal. He is on conditional bail, required to notify police of international travel in advance and avoid contact with complainants, but not barred from playing football. An Arsenal spokesperson confirmed his departure and declined further comment due to ongoing proceedings.

Villarreal signed Partey despite fan opposition, and he has featured in a few games. The club has not addressed the charges publicly. The case, which could lead to a full trial, highlights ongoing legal challenges for the player, who transferred from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in 2020.