Thomas Partey is expected to line up for Ghana against England in Boston on Tuesday, a match that will bring the midfielder face to face with former Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka after he was charged with multiple counts of rape. The Football Association has remained coy over the pre-match handshake ritual, leaving England’s players to decide whether they wish to go through the ceremony with Partey. The 32-year-old, who played for Villarreal this season and will be released at the end of his contract this month, has denied all accusations. He is scheduled to go on trial next year at Southwark crown court after being charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault last year, followed by two further counts of rape. His lawyer has insisted that he welcomes the chance to clear his name.
Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, a former assistant of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, has maintained that Partey should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty. “Let events run their normal course, let the river flow and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we will find the truth,” Queiroz said. Partey missed Ghana’s opening World Cup game against Panama on Thursday because Canadian officials refused him entry as the match was played in Toronto. He is available to play against England in Boston because the US has granted him a visa.
“Thomas Partey faces England after rape charges; handshake decision left to players.”
Rice, who was a key part of Arsenal’s Premier League title win this season, has been described by Guardian writers as “the player who was key to both set pieces and defensive organisation for the champions” and “every inch the leader England will lean on at the World Cup.” Another Ghanaian player, Antoine Semenyo, scored 21 goals across the season, including the only goal at Wembley to clinch the FA Cup. He is also set to feature for Ghana at the World Cup.
The match on Tuesday will be the first time Partey faces England since the charges became public. The handshake ritual – a standard pre-match ceremony – now carries an uncomfortable weight for the England squad, which includes two of his former clubmates. The FA has given the players the freedom to decide.