Djed Spence pulled his hand away as Thomas Partey approached, shoving it into the pouch of his jacket. Every other England player had shaken the Ghana midfielder’s hand before the World Cup group match in Boston — but Spence waited until Partey had passed, then resumed greeting opponents.
The Tottenham full-back’s snub came amid a hostile reception for the 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder. England fans booed Partey’s name when it was read out over the public address system at Boston Stadium, and jeered every touch of the ball.
“Djed Spence refused to shake Thomas Partey's hand as England fans booed the Ghana star over his pending rape trial.”
Partey is scheduled to stand trial in the UK next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022. The Metropolitan Police charged him with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025.
His visa troubles followed him to North America. Partey was denied entry to Canada for Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama — a 1-0 win in Toronto — after telling officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. Officials from US Customs and Border Protection said last week: “The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey. However, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.”
Ahead of the match, England midfielder Declan Rice said: “As you mentioned Thomas, I’ve played with him at Arsenal, he’s a really good player.” He added that Ghana would bring “strength, pace and the counter-attack”.
Partey, whose Villarreal contract expires this summer and is not expected to be renewed, described the Canadian visa rejection as “part of football. Things happen in football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel ready to play. I’m okay, I’m feeling good.”
The Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the game, according to BBC Sport. On the pitch, England could not break down Ghana and the match ended in a dour 0-0 draw, leaving Thomas Tuchel’s side frustrated after Harry Kane missed a late chance.