Mikel Arteta Finally Speaks on Thomas Partey’s Rape and Sexual Assault Allegations After Arsenal Exit
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has finally addressed the growing backlash surrounding the club’s handling of Thomas Partey, who is now facing multiple serious criminal charges including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault just days after leaving the team.
Arteta insists the club followed protocol correctly, saying, “100 percent, we did the right thing,” despite criticism that Arsenal, the FA, and the Premier League may have been aware of complaints as early as 2021 almost a year before Partey was first arrested.
The Ghanaian midfielder is accused of sexually attacking three different women between 2021 and 2022. Reports claim that Arsenal had been informed of allegations back in September 2021, yet no official investigation was launched at the time, as the incidents were deemed outside the FA’s safeguarding responsibilities.
Partey’s Arsenal contract expired on June 30, and just five days later, charges were officially filed following a lengthy three-year Scotland Yard investigation. He is currently without a club and is scheduled to appear in court on August 5.
According to authorities:
Two rape charges involve one woman
Three rape charges relate to a second woman
One sexual assault charge involves a third woman
While the alleged victims remain anonymous, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it proceeded after thoroughly reviewing a substantial body of evidence. Partey’s lawyer has firmly stated he “denies all the charges” and is ready to clear his name in court.
Arteta, speaking ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Asia, declined to go into legal details but reiterated the club handled the situation as required.
