UCL: PARTEY TO FACE TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR DESPITE ASSAULT CHARGES
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
Villarreal head coach Marcelino has affirmed that Thomas Partey is “prepared” to participate in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, occurring just one day prior to the midfielder’s scheduled court appearance in London to address allegations of rape and sexual assault.
According to BBC Sports on Tuesday, Partey, 32, faced charges last month consisting of five counts of rape involving two women, along with one count of sexual assault against a third individual.
The purported incidents took place between 2021 and 2022, during his tenure at Arsenal.
He firmly denies all accusations, and his legal representatives state that he is determined to vindicate himself in court. He was granted conditional bail and, two days later, signed with Spanish club Villarreal, which secured a fifth-place finish in La Liga last season.
Partey is set to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing, a day after his team’s Champions League opener against Arsenal’s northern London adversaries, Tottenham.
“I am fully convinced that he is both mentally and technically prepared to play tomorrow,” Marcelino remarked on Monday. “Without a doubt, he will be ready. We are extremely pleased to have Thomas with us for his footballing skills, abilities, and his character as an individual. ”
“He is an exceptional player with considerable experience. He has represented numerous elite clubs. We recognize that he possesses a high level of talent. ”
When Marcelino was inquired whether he had conversed with Partey regarding potential hostility from Tottenham supporters, the Spaniard emphasized his focus on the sport.
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“We’re discussing matters related to a player who might be completely innocent,” Marcelino stated.
“We are engaged in a football match tomorrow, where the paramount aspect is the game itself.
“This is, after all, where football was originated. Do you comprehend? Thank you.”
Partey transferred to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, making 167 appearances for the club, during which he scored nine goals. He has played four times for Villarreal this season, with one start.
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