Thomas Partey was met with boos and whistles during his Villarreal debut as he faces multiple rape charges in the UK.
Thomas Partey was met with jeers and whistles from sections of the Villarreal crowd as he made his LaLiga debut on Friday. The Ghanaian midfielder, who joined on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal, came on late in the 2–0 win over Real Oviedo but was booed whenever he touched the ball.
His debut comes just days after he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face multiple rape charges, including five counts of rape and one of sexual assault against three women. He was granted bail, enabling his move to Spain.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig defended the signing, stressing the importance of due process. “The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him. We respect the presumption of innocence and, of course, condemn any type of violence,” Roig said.
Partey will return to London next month for court proceedings and remains barred from contacting the alleged victims.