Hundreds of Villarreal supporters have mobilized in a last-ditch effort to prevent the club from signing former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is currently facing serious criminal charges in the United Kingdom.
Partey, 32, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women. The alleged incidents span locations in both the UK and Spain. He has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Crown Court on September 2.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Villarreal is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with the Ghanaian international. News of the potential signing has sparked outrage among fans, prompting the creation of an online petition titled Say NO to Thomas Partey at Villarreal. The petition has garnered over 800 signatures and is gaining traction on social media platforms such as X and Facebook.
The petition’s description reads:
> “A player accused and charged of such heinous crimes must not have any relation to a club like Villarreal, which prides itself on values such as family spirit and community. Villarreal’s signing of Thomas Partey would be a slap in the face not only to the club’s supporters... but also to all victims of sexual abuse worldwide.”
The campaign was launched by Villareal Report, a fan-led content hub, which described the potential transfer as “an act of pure betrayal” and “the darkest day in the club’s history”.
Borja Peña, president of Os Groc—a Villarreal fan group based in Madrid—expressed concern over the club’s direction: “He’s a top-level player... but talent alone does not justify the move. I would not agree to sign a player accused of such serious crimes and I would understand if fans booed him on the pitch,” Peña told The Athletic.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Partey is accused of multiple assaults, including three alleged rapes at his home in Hertfordshire and another incident at a resort in Spain. His bail conditions prohibit contact with the complainants and require notification of any changes in residence or international travel.
Partey denies all charges, and his legal team has stated he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.
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