Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The allegations relate to three separate women who reported incidents between 2021 and 2022, it said.

Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 5.

The Ghanaian international was charged four days after leaving the North London club.

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The Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Partey began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.

Partey denies the charges against him and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said.

Met Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”

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