The former Arsenal midfielder is close to joining the Spanish club on a free transfer this week but can he actually play?
Reports are that former Arsenal midfielder Partey has completed a medical at Villareal and is set to sign a one-year contract.
The same player is also due to appear in a magistrate court in London on Tuesday over allegations of rape – five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The player has denied all charges of course, but how does that work? Does he play, does he go to court? What do Villareal fans think about that?
On Tuesday, Partey will likely appear in court for the hearing, although it is not expected to be a long one and could be over in minutes. However, given it is only a first hearing, there remains the possibility that he does not make an appearance.
If Partey’s signing with Villareal is completed, the player could be unveiled and go ahead to play for the club next season. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) will have to assess whether they have a legal resource to stop him from playing.
It’s worth noting that Partey continued to play for Arsenal for three years even after having been arrested on suspicion of rape and then released while investigations went on. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta insisted the club had followed the correct process in dealing with the situation.
Villareal Football Club have not made a statement on the situation but it is likely they have tried to sign Partey purely based on footballing reasons. The Ghanaian is a top-quality player who would surely bring much needed improvement to Villareal’s midfield.
As for the fans, there are certainly many Yellow Submarine supporters who are less than pleased. Some of them have already begun to protest the move, trending the hashtag #NoAThomasPartey (No to Thomas Partey) on social media and encouraging a petition to be signed.
Cesar Pena, president of a Villarreal supporters’ club told The Athletic: “My personal opinion is the same as that expressed by most fans on social media: I would not agree to sign a player accused of such serious crimes and I would understand if the fans booed the player on the pitch.
“I hope the club takes the fans’ opinion into account, as I believe this is not just a matter of improving the squad. However, whatever the outcome of the trial, if they sign him, most fans will not agree with it, even if he is ultimately found not guilty.”
Interestingly, Partey’s old club Arsenal are due to host Villarreal in a friendly on Wednesday.
