Thomas Partey Helps Villarreal Keep Unbeaten La Liga Run, Set for Court Appearance in the UK
- Thomas Partey is scheduled to make another court appearance in the UK as the serious charges against him remain ongoing
- The 32-year-old, before travelling to London, featured for Villarreal in their La Liga clash with Celta Vigo on Sunday, August 31
- Partey is expected to join his Ghana Black Stars teammates for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Thomas Partey’s ongoing legal troubles in the United Kingdom continue to hover over his career, but before returning to court, the Ghanaian midfielder was back on the pitch for Villarreal in La Liga.
The Yellow Submarine had started the season brightly, winning their opening two matches, and were aiming for a perfect run against Celta Vigo.
Source: Getty Images
The afternoon, however, ended in frustration as they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio de Balaidos.
Partey's Villarreal dealt late blow
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, scoring his second goal of the campaign, per Flashscore.
Watch the video below:
Villarreal looked on course for another victory until Borja Iglesias struck deep into stoppage time with a towering header that snatched two points away from the visitors.
Although disappointed with just a draw, Villarreal still left the game unbeaten and sitting second on the table with seven points, two shy of leaders Real Madrid.
Partey came off the bench in the second half, replacing Alberto Moleiro. In just under half an hour, he made his presence felt in midfield.
Sofascore statistics showed he recorded 12 touches, completed all his passes, made a clearance, and was rated 6.4 for his efforts.
Watch a fan account report of Partey below:
Partey's legal matters await in London
Once his club duties ended, Partey’s focus shifted away from football.
The 32-year-old is scheduled to appear in court in London on Tuesday, September 2, over serious charges that include five counts of non-consensual acts and one count of sexual assault involving three women.
His first hearing took place at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he was granted conditional bail.
This time, proceedings will move to the Old Bailey, one of the UK’s most high-profile courts.
Source: Getty Images
Despite the weight of the allegations, Partey has consistently maintained his innocence and will rely on his legal team to defend him.
Partey expected to join Black Stars despite legal case in the UK
Beyond his legal battles, Partey is also expected to join his Ghanaian teammates for the September international break.
Otto Addo’s men will open camp on September 1 ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana face Chad away in N’Djamena just two days after Partey’s court date, a fixture where Addo could choose to rest him, given the opposition’s record in Group I.
However, the midfielder is expected to play a bigger role against Mali in Accra on September 8, a clash that could prove decisive in the Black Stars’ qualification campaign.
Arsenal fans rue Partey's absence after Liverpool loss
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted how Arsenal fans longed for the influence of former midfielder Thomas Partey following their narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
One supporter remarked:
“Zubimendi is nowhere near the quality of Thomas Partey, like nowhere near.”
Source: YEN.com.gh
