The boos rang out around Boston Stadium as Thomas Partey's name was announced before England's World Cup group match against Ghana. Then, as the teams lined up for the traditional pre-match handshake, England full-back Djed Spence appeared to snub the Ghana midfielder, failing to clasp his hand. The moment, captured on social media, quickly became the talking point of a dour 0-0 draw. But the reaction was not about football—it was about the serious criminal charges Partey faces.
Thomas Partey, a 33-year-old midfielder who plays for Villarreal and formerly Arsenal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations involve four different women and date between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year. The Metropolitan Police charged him in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault (the total later increased to seven rape charges). Partey was denied entry into Canada before Ghana's first World Cup match, telling officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. He missed Ghana's 1-0 win against Panama in Toronto as a result. However, US Customs and Border Protection admitted him to the United States, stating that while they were aware of the pending case, he had not been convicted and was issued a visa.
“Explains why Thomas Partey was booed and Djed Spence refused a handshake at the World Cup.”
During the England match, Partey was booed by England fans whenever he touched the ball, and his name was met with jeers over the public address system. BBC Sport understands the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the match. Spence, who plays for England, appeared to intentionally avoid shaking Partey's hand—an action that will inevitably be interpreted by many as a personal statement. Spence later limped off after 66 minutes with an ankle knock, and England's medical staff will monitor both him and Declan Rice, who also suffered a calf scare.
For UK readers, this incident highlights a tension that has become increasingly visible in football: how should players, clubs, and governing bodies respond when a footballer is accused of serious crimes but has not yet been convicted? Partey maintains his innocence and has not been found guilty. Yet the public reaction—boos, a refused handshake—shows that many fans and players are making their own judgments. The Premier League and FA have faced scrutiny over how they handle such cases, particularly when players continue to play while awaiting trial. This is not unique to Partey; other footballers have faced similar situations, raising questions about due process, presumption of innocence, and the role of public opinion in sport.
Q: Why was Thomas Partey booed at the World Cup? A: England fans booed Partey because he faces multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. The charges were brought by the Metropolitan Police in July 2025, and he is awaiting trial next year.
Q: Did Djed Spence deliberately refuse to shake hands with Thomas Partey? A: Footage circulating on social media appears to show Spence not shaking Partey's hand during the pre-match handshake. The FA did not discuss the handshake with players beforehand, so it is unclear if it was a personal decision.
Q: What are the specific charges against Thomas Partey? A: Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations involve four women and are said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.
What happens next: England face Panama in their final Group L match, needing a positive result to top the group. Partey and Ghana will also play Panama in their final group game. Partey's trial is scheduled for next year. Meanwhile, the debate over how football handles players accused of serious crimes will continue, with this incident adding a fresh layer of controversy.