Thomas Partey Subjected to Abuse From Fan at Tottenham Stadium Ahead of UCL Clash
- Thomas Partey faced hostility before Villarreal’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on September 16, 2025
- As he walked through the English club's stadium, an unidentified fan hurled insults at the Ghanaian midfielder in the background
- The 32-year-old, who once starred for Arsenal, is due in court just hours after Villarreal’s European opener over serious charges
Thomas Partey’s return to England for Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in London on September 16, 2025, was far from smooth.
Even before kick-off, the Ghanaian midfielder was blasted as he and his teammates walked through the concourse of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
Partey faces insults at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The 32-year-old, named among the substitutes, was spotted in a hoodie as he entered with the Villarreal squad.
A trending video circulating on social media captured a voice hurling insults at the midfielder in the background.
For Partey, the clash marked his first competitive return to English soil since the allegations against him surfaced.
The hostility was evident from the start, and when he came off the bench in the 78th minute, the boos inside the stadium grew even louder.
Despite the hostile reception, the Ghanaian midfielder stayed composed and delivered a decent cameo.
In just over 10 minutes, he registered nine touches, completed six of his nine passes, and even created a key chance. His efforts earned him a 6.5 rating from Sofascore.
Although his bail conditions permit him to continue playing, Partey is required to notify the authorities of any international trips at least a day in advance and is prohibited from contacting the complainants.
Villarreal coach backs Partey amid court hearing
Ahead of the game, teammate Juan Foyth, who previously played for Tottenham, admitted that Partey would likely face hostility because of his Arsenal past and the ongoing legal case.
Manager Marcelino García Toral, however, expressed confidence in his player’s mindset.
“I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game. For sure, he will be ready. We are really happy that Thomas is with us for his football capacity and ability and his presence as a human,” the coach said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
The midfielder’s troubles off the field remain unresolved. He is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing.
Source: Getty Images
Partey was charged with five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women and one count of sexual assault against another, dating back to his time at Arsenal between 2021 and 2022.
He has consistently denied the accusations, with his lawyer insisting he 'welcomes the chance to finally clear his name'.
For now, Partey remains on conditional bail and continues to feature for Villarreal, who listed him on the bench for their European outing in north London.
As for the match, Tottenham secured a 1-0 victory over Partey's visiting Spanish side. Other winners from the first round, according to UEFA, are Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Qarabağ FK.
Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, meanwhile, played to a 4-4 draw, with more matches taking place tonight (September 17, 2025).
Kudus shares emotional moment with Partey
In a separate report by YEN.com.gh, Mohammed Kudus and Partey were captured sharing a warm moment after crossing paths in the Champions League.
The Black Stars duo found themselves on opposing sides as Tottenham edged Villarreal 1-0 on Tuesday night, with Partey facing criticism from the Spurs fans.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
