Thomas Partey is innocent until proven guilty – Villarreal break silence on rape allegations
Thomas Partey’s Move to Villarreal Sparks Backlash Despite Presumption of Innocence
Villarreal has officially signed Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Arsenal. The 32-year-old joins the Yellow Submarine on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025-26 season. This announcement comes mere days after Partey was granted conditional bail in the UK, where he faces serious criminal charges. In court, he was charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third, all alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal. Now set to appear at the Old Bailey in September, Partey firmly maintains his innocence and continues to deny all allegations.
This signing has ignited a wave of backlash among fans. Hundreds have signed petitions and voiced outrage across social media, with critics branding the decision as a stain on Villarreal’s values and even calling it the “darkest day in the club’s history.”
Villarreal Stands by Legal Principle and Community Values
In response to public uproar, Villarreal has issued a firm statement emphasising legal fairness. The club declares its unwavering respect for the presumption of innocence and pledges to let the judicial process run its course. Due to British legal restrictions surrounding ongoing proceedings, they have stated they cannot comment further on the matter.
Moreover, the club reiterated its strong commitment to respect, diversity, and the condemnation of violence in all its forms—including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. Villarreal made clear that these values remain central to its identity despite the controversy surrounding the signing.
Read Also: Thomas Partey Granted Conditional Bail After Court Appearance on Rape Charges
