Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has expressed that he supports his club’s activity regarding the case of Thomas Partey. The Arsenal midfielder has recently been accused of sexual assault. The assault involves three women and Thomas Partey. According to the Metropolitan Police Department’s statement, these unfortunate incidents happened back in 2021 and 2022. Although Partey’s contract ended on June 30, the club hasn’t offered him any renewal offer due to the legal procedures.
Mikel Arteta Speaks on Thomas Partey’s Case
The Arsenal team are currently in Asia for their pre-season tour. The Gunners are set to face Italian club AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium on 23rd July. Arteta has taken a 30-man squad with him for the pre-season. For obvious reasons, Thomas Partey is not in the Arsenal squad. Since the outbreak of Partey’s crime, Mikel Arteta hasn’t told anything about the incident. But after weeks, Arteta expressed his feelings for the first time to the media ahead of their match against AC Milan. “I think 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.” – said Mikel Arteta to the media. He then100% supported Arsenal’s decision on keeping Partey in the squad for the last two seasons.
Arsenal’s Stance on the Thomas Partey Incident
The police had found Thomas Partey guilty and arrested the Ghana international back in 2022. But still Arsenal granted him permission to continue playing for the club. On June 30th, the contract ended between Thomas Partey and Arsenal. Ironically, a couple of days later, the court charged Partey with five counts of rape and one count of assault. Although, the player has denied the allegations immediately. But as of now, the 32-year-old footballer has to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. The investigation was going on since 2022, and finally, this has come to this situation. Detective Andy Furphy is leading the case. He has stated to the media that his team will totally support the victims who were brave enough to come forward. Arsenal then released a statement regarding their stance on this case. In the statement, the North-London-based football club told that the player’s contract had already expired. Moreover, the club could not make any further comments regarding this issue as legal procedures were going on. Thomas Partey joined Arsenal back in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for £45 million. In fact, the player has played in 52 matches last season for the Gunners.
Fans are Unhappy with Arsenal’s Decision on Thomas Partey
Although Mikel Arteta has stood behind Arsenal’s decision on Thomas Partey, the fans all around the world didn’t like that. Many fans expressed their disgust on social media platforms. Most of the posts say that a club like Arsenal must not shield a potential rapist at any cost. The backlash was massive. Many fans have pointed out rival club Manchester City’s example. Former Manchester City left-back, Benjamin Mendy was also charged with rape and sexual assault in August 2021. The English club immediately suspended the player from September 2021 until the end of his remaining contract. Whereas, Arsenal let Thomas Partey continue playing for the club for two more seasons. But things have gone cold in the last couple of days. Arsenal fans have shifted their focus on new summer signings. After signing Zubimendi, Norgaard and Madueke, the supporters are now eagerly waiting for the official announcement of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Author’s Opinion
If the court finds Thomas Partey guilty, one thing is certain that Arsenal will not continue with the player. As a matter of fact, Thomas Partey’s professional career will be in danger. But Mikel Arteta does not have to worry about that. Arsenal now have way better players in their midfield than Partey. Arsenal are in full focus to make a redemption season. On the other hand, Thomas Partey hopes that the court will clear his name of the allegations.
Comment down your thoughts on Arsenal’s stance.
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