Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will have a plea hearing at the Old Bailey next month to face charges of raping two women, after being granted bail.
The 32-year-old, who was charged four days after leaving the north London club when his contract expired back in June, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning to face five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
He is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.
Wearing a black zip-neck jumper and carrying a navy blazer as he entered the court, Partey stood with his arms behind his back in the dock.
He was granted conditional bail and will appear at Crown Court on September 2.
Partey spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and gave his address.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward, KC, said: 'He's charged with six sexual offences, five of rape, one of sexual assault. He was first arrested in relation to two of the charges on 4 July 2022 and released under investigation on 2 August 2023.
'He has attended during the course of the past three years three voluntary interviews. A postal requisition was sent on 4 July 2025 requiring his attendance today for a first appearance.
'Five of the offences, the charges of rape, are indictable only offences and the only possibility for this court is to send them to the crown court.'
On the sexual assault allegation, she said: 'The complainant attended Mr Partey's address and he sexually assaulted her by lying on top of her, trying to kiss her and touching her all over her body over clothing without consent.
'She tried to push him off and after a couple of minutes he stopped.'
His bail conditions state he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
Protesters held up a sign criticising Arsenal's alleged handling of the case when he arrived at court. It read: 'Arsenal said: 'We do the right thing'. Then did nothing.'
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022. The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
The CPS said the charges came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence' during an extensive three-year probe.
'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,' his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said.
'He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.'
His first appearance in court came as he finalises a move to Spanish club Villarreal.
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £45million.
He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals.
Arsenal were previously in talks over extending Partey's contract but an agreement could not be reached, resulting in him leaving as a free agent. Head coach Mikel Arteta had described him as a 'really important player for us'.
During Arsenal's pre-season tour in the Far East, following Partey being charged, Arteta said he was '100 per cent' comfortable with how the club handled the case.
However, the Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence Group gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court to protest the club's alleged actions.
'While we recognise that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, we would find any scenario in which a club was to continually select and promote a player under investigation for sexual offences deeply concerning,' the group previously said.
'This would give the suggestion that success on the pitch far outweighs respect for victims of sexual violence.'
An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: 'The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.'
