Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey charged with rape

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with 5 counts of rape and one depend of sexual assault. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022, the Metropolitan Police stated. The costs contain three ladies, with two counts of rape relating to at least one lady, three counts of rape in connection to a second lady and one depend of sexual assault linked to a 3rd lady. The Ghanaian worldwide denies the fees and “welcomes the chance to lastly clear his identify”, his lawyer stated.The costs observe an investigation by detectives, which began in February 2022 after police first acquired a report of rape. The 32-year-old’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after taking part in with the group since 2020. Arsenal, the Soccer Affiliation and the Premier League declined to remark.Det Supt Andy Furphy, who’s main the investigation, stated: “Our precedence stays offering help to the ladies who’ve come ahead.”We might ask anybody who has been impacted by this case, or anybody who has data, to talk with our group. You possibly can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk”Mr Partey, of Hertfordshire, is predicted to seem at Westminster Magistrates’ Court docket on Tuesday 5 August. In an announcement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire stated: “Thomas Partey denies all the fees towards him.”He has absolutely cooperated with the police and CPS all through their three-year investigation.”He now welcomes the chance to lastly clear his identify.”On condition that there at the moment are ongoing authorized proceedings, my shopper is unable to remark additional.”Mr Partey joined Arsenal for £45.3m from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 35 top-flight appearances final season and scored 4 targets because the London membership completed second within the Premier League.He additionally performed 12 instances within the Champions League because the Gunners reached the semi-finals earlier than being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.General, he made 130 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s facet, scoring 9 targets.Mr Partey has additionally made greater than 50 appearances for Ghana’s nationwide group, and most not too long ago performed at World Cup qualification matches in March.