Arteta says Arsenal 100 percent followed correct way about Partey

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed, for the first time, the charges of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault brought against former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey earlier this month. Arteta emphatically stated that Arsenal "100 percent" followed the correct procedures throughout the situation. Partey, whose contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, was charged four days later with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. These charges reportedly relate to three different women and are alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.

Despite denying all charges, Partey was first arrested in July 2022. At that time, his name was not publicly disclosed, and he continued to play for Arsenal while the investigations were ongoing. In a statement provided to Sky Sports News, Arsenal confirmed: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case."

Speaking from the club's pre-season tour in Singapore, Arteta elaborated on the club's stance. "The club was very clear in its statement," he said. "There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that." When directly asked if he felt confident that the club followed all the right processes, Arteta's response was definitive: "100 percent."

The charges specify that two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape relate to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman. Partey is scheduled to appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.

A statement from the Met Police indicated that "The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape." Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, reaffirmed, "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward." The Met Police has urged anyone with information or who has been impacted by the case to come forward.

In a statement issued on the day his charges were announced, Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, asserted: "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."