Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Responds to Criticism Over Decision to Play Thomas Partey Despite Rape Allegations

Mikel Arteta has spoken over why Arsenal played Thomas Partey while he was facing rape allegations. Photo: Imago

Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Responds to Criticism Over Decision to Play Thomas Partey Despite Rape Allegations

Joel Omotto 12:30 - 21.07.2025

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has spoken about the criticism the Gunners have faced for playing Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey when he was under investigation over rape allegations.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has opened about the rape allegations facing former midfielder Thomas Partey.

Partey is facing various counts of rape and sexual assault in the UK, having been charged just four days after the expiration of his Arsenal contract.

The Ghanaian midfielder, who has denied the charges, was first arrested in 2022, but was not named at the time, and he continued to play for Arsenal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

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Partey’s accusers are three women with the offences reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, having joined the Gunners in 2020 from Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal and Arteta have been slammed for continuing to play the midfielder even after learning that he was under investigation for multiple counts of rape but the Spanish coach has stood firm over his and the club’s decision.

What Has Arteta Said Over Playing Thomas Partey?

Thomas Partey and Mikel Arteta had a good working relationship for five years at Arsenal. Photo: Imago

"The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that,” Arteta said on Monday during Arsenal pre-season camp in Singapore. Arteta then he said he felt “100 per cent” that the club followed the right process during the whole saga.

Partey will appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5 to answer to the charges with the case putting his football career in jeopardy.

"The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape," a Met Police statement said as per Sky Sports.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the probe, said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward."

Partey was an integral member of Arteta’s team during his five-year stay at the North London club, making 167 appearances, scoring nine goals and weighing in with seven assists.