ARTETA DEFENDS ARSENAL’S POSITION FOLLOWING RAPE CHARGES AGAINST THOMAS PARTEY

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal followed the right processes in dealing with Thomas Partey, who faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault charges filed just days after his contract at the Emirates expired. Two counts of rape relate to one woman and three counts of rape relate to a second woman. The one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman. Reports indicate that Arsenal, the FA, and the Premier League were aware of concerns as early as September 2021, nearly a year before Partey’s first arrest in July 2022. However, no formal investigations were launched at the time, as the allegations fell outside the FA’s safeguarding responsibilities for adults and minors at risk in the sport.

 Partey left Arsenal last month after contract talks stalled. Arteta speaking ahead of pre-season, termed the legal matter as very complicated but maintained the club acted correctly. When asked if proper procedures were followed he replied, “100 per cent.” The charges follow a three year Scotland Yard Investigation and come just five days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30. He is currently without a club after five Premier League seasons at the Emirates.

 Partey, now without a club, denies all allegations and will appear in court on August 5, 2025, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The Metropolitan Police began investigating in February 2022, after a rape report. Partey was arrested months later but remained unnamed and played over 50 games for Arsenal while on bail. The Crown Prosecution Service has said the charges come after it carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence.