Thomas Partey’s Court Hearing Postponed Again, New Date Set Ahead of UCL Clash with Kudus
- Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey’s court hearing in the United Kingdom has been adjourned once more
- The fresh date means Partey will stay back in London after Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League clash against Mohammed Kudus’ Tottenham
- The 32-year-old continues to maintain his innocence despite the six serious charges brought against him
Thomas Partey’s legal battle in the United Kingdom has taken another twist after his hearing was pushed back for a second time.
The Ghanaian midfielder was initially expected to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, just before the Black Stars’ World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
That date was later moved to September 15, allowing him to feature in Ghana’s narrow 1-0 victory over Mali on September 8.
Source: Getty Images
Partey’s court hearing postponed again
Fresh reports from Spanish outlet El Periodico Mediterraneo confirm that the 32-year-old’s appearance has now been rescheduled once more.
He will face Southwark Crown Court in London on September 17 at 16:00 GMT.
The change gives Partey the chance to line up for Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League opener against Tottenham Hotspur.
The clash carries a special Ghanaian subplot, as Partey is set to face his Black Stars teammate Mohammed Kudus.
Spurs fans, however, are unlikely to give him a warm welcome, given his strong Arsenal connections from his five seasons in North London.
Partey is facing six charges in the UK, including five counts of non-consensual acts and one of sexual assault.
He continues to maintain his innocence and remains on conditional bail after his first appearance in court last month.
Since the allegations surfaced in 2022, he has occasionally been jeered by opposition supporters, but his case remains unresolved.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has voiced strong support for the midfielder, reminding fans not to rush to judgment.
“Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction. At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”
Partey opens up about life in Spain
Away from the courtroom, Partey has been a consistent figure in Villarreal’s midfield since his summer arrival.
He has played in all four of their opening La Liga fixtures, clocking up 135 minutes, according to Transfermarkt.
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One of those appearances came in a reunion against Atletico Madrid, where he spent seven successful years before moving to Arsenal.
That match ended in Villarreal’s first defeat of the campaign.
Speaking after the game, Partey reflected on the adjustment process since returning to Spain.
“I’m now getting back [adapting to La Liga]. It is a different team, style of play is different, and I think with time I’ll get used to it and I’ll be able to enjoy more,” he told Sporty TV.
Watch the interview:
Despite the challenges off the pitch, Partey has shown commitment both to his new club and to Ghana’s national team, balancing performances with the looming pressure of his court case.
Partey accepts significant pay cut at Villarreal
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Thomas Partey agreed to a significant reduction in salary following his move from Arsenal to Villarreal.
The 32-year-old, who was previously pocketing £200,000 a week in North London, will now earn 74.5% less at his new club.
Source: YEN.com.gh
