Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has defended the club’s handling of the alleged rape cases involving Thomas Partey.
This comes amid growing criticism that Arsenal poorly managed the situation involving their former midfielder. Partey was charged with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault connected to a third woman. According to a statement by the London Metropolitan Police on July 4, the alleged offences occurred in 2021 and 2022.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season match against AC Milan on Wednesday, Arteta was asked whether he believed the club dealt with the matter appropriately.
“100%, yes,” he responded.
Arteta added, “The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated, so I cannot comment on any of that.”
Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, 2025, and the club chose not to renew it despite his impressive performance last season. Four days after the contract expired, he was formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Last season, Partey made 35 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals, as Arsenal finished second. He also featured 12 times in the Champions League, helping the Gunners reach the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Pius Asack
