A supporters group of Spanish La Liga club FC Villarreal has registered its displeasure over the club’s signing of Ghana international Thomas Partey.
The veteran Ghanaian midfielder was announced as a new signing of Villarreal following the expiration of his five year contract with English Premier League side Arsenal.
By joining Villarreal on a reported two year deal, Partey returns to Spain after spending time with Atletico Madrid prior to joining Arsenal.
However, Partey’s time at Arsenal was rocked by allegations of rape and was later charged by London Metropolitan Police on five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving another woman.
Partey made his first appearance at a Westminster Court on August and was granted a conditional bail which gives him the opportunity to continue playing professional football sparking the President of the Villarreal Supporters Club in Villafranca de Barros, Extremadura, Cesar Pena, to state, (Click highlighted text to read full story)
“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” to The Athletic.
Per the bail conditions, Thomas Partey must notify the London Police of any permanent change of address or international travel.
