Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s conduct in the wake of serious criminal charges filed against midfielder Thomas Partey, saying the club acted in full compliance with legal and internal protocol.
Partey, 31, officially departed Arsenal on June 30 following the expiration of his contract. Just four days later, he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from three separate womenbetween 2021 and 2022. He denies all charges.
The Ghana international was first arrested in July 2022, yet continued to play for Arsenal throughout the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, as police and the Crown Prosecution Service conducted their investigations.
Why Did Partey Keep Playing After His Arrest?
The timing of Partey’s arrest in July 2022 raised questions among fans and legal commentators, particularly as the midfielder remained part of Mikel Arteta’s squad and was even in discussions for a new contract in 2023.
Speaking for the first time since the charges were made public, Arteta defended the club’s actions:
“We followed the process and the protocols — 100 per cent,” said Arteta during Arsenal’s pre-season tour. — via BBC Sport
Arsenal had earlier issued a short statement, saying: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Club Handling and Legal Timeline
- July 2022 – Partey arrested on suspicion of rape
- 2022–2024 – Continues playing for Arsenal
- June 30, 2025 – Arsenal contract expires
- July 4, 2025 – Partey charged with multiple offences
- July 21, 2025 – Arteta gives first public comments
Analyst View: Arsenal’s Risk Management Under Scrutiny
While Arsenal may have followed legal guidance and employment law, the decision to continue fielding Partey has reignited debate over player welfare policies, transparency, and risk management in elite football.
Legal experts suggest clubs are under no obligation to suspend players unless formally charged, though critics argue moral considerations should carry more weight — particularly in high-profile cases.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault
- Charges relate to incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022
- Partey denies all allegations and plans to contest them in court
- Mikel Arteta says Arsenal followed protocol "100 per cent"
- Partey continued playing after his 2022 arrest until his contract expired in 2025
What’s Next in the Thomas Partey Case?
Thomas Partey is expected to appear in court later this summer, with initial hearings set to establish the scope of the trial. His legal team maintains he “welcomes the opportunity to clear his name” and plans to contest all charges.
Arsenal are unlikely to comment further, citing ongoing legal proceedings, but may come under renewed pressure depending on the public response and future disclosures.
The Premier League and FA may also review current protocols regarding how clubs handle serious criminal investigations involving players — particularly in the absence of formal charges.
A clearer picture will likely emerge in August or early September, once court proceedings are underway.
Should Arsenal have suspended Partey in 2022 — or were they right to wait for legal developments?
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