Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning for a plea and trial preparation hearing on five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, hours after playing in a Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Partey, 32, arrived at the court following his substitution in the 78th minute of Villarreal's 1-0 loss at Tottenham's stadium on Tuesday, where he was met with boos from the crowd. The Ghana international, who joined Villarreal last month after his Arsenal contract expired in June 2025, has denied all charges. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has stated that Partey "denies all the charges against him."

The Metropolitan Police first received the rape allegation in February 2022. Partey was charged in July 2025, four days after leaving Arsenal, where he had made 35 appearances last season following his 2020 transfer from Atletico Madrid. An Arsenal spokesperson confirmed the contract end and declined further comment due to ongoing proceedings.

Partey, on conditional bail, must notify police of international travel 24 hours in advance and avoid contact with complainants but is not barred from playing football. He has featured in several games for Villarreal since signing. The full trial date was not immediately set, but the hearing marks a key step in the case.