Partey Court Date Raises Questions for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has maintained that the club followed proper procedures regarding former midfielder Thomas Partey, who faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after his contract ended on June 30. The alleged offences, which Partey denies, involve three women and reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. There is now increased scrutiny over Arsenal's decision to let Partey play while under investigation, and questions have emerged about the club's awareness of allegations before his first arrest in 2022. Partey's legal team says he has fully cooperated with authorities and welcomes the court opportunity to clear his name. The case and Arsenal’s handling of it are under significant public and media scrutiny.