During a World Cup group match in Boston, England fans booed Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey every time he touched the ball. As the teams lined up for pre-match handshakes, England full-back Djed Spence withdrew his hand as Partey approached, placing it in his jacket pocket, only to resume shaking hands with other Ghana players. The incident was not a random act of hostility—it was the latest flashpoint in a story that raises uncomfortable questions about sport, justice, and public condemnation.
Partey, 33, a former Arsenal player now with Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial in the UK next year. Despite the charges, Partey has continued to play for Ghana, and was selected for the 2026 World Cup. Before the tournament, he was denied entry to Canada for Ghana's opening match after officials said his visa application failed to disclose that he had been arrested and charged. He missed that game, but was admitted to the United States—where the match against England was played—after being issued a visa. US Customs and Border Protection stated that because Partey has not been convicted, he was allowed entry.
“Why Thomas Partey was booed and Djed Spence refused his handshake, explained.”
This situation forces fans and players to grapple with the tension between the legal principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and the desire to express condemnation of serious allegations. In England, Partey has faced widespread scrutiny since the charges were first brought. In July 2025, the Metropolitan Police charged him with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault; further charges were later added. He denies all allegations.
For UK readers, this is not an isolated incident. It echoes past cases where footballers have continued to play while facing criminal proceedings—from high-profile rape allegations to historical abuse claims. The response from fans and fellow players varies: some argue that a player should be suspended pending trial, while others defend the right to work unless convicted. The Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with England players before the match, meaning Spence's snub was a personal gesture, not team policy.
The handshake snub also highlights the role of individual conscience. Spence shook hands with other Ghana players but visibly avoided Partey. Other England players, including Declan Rice—who played with Partey at Arsenal—did shake his hand. Partey himself said before the match: "It's part of football, things happen in football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel ready to play."
Q: Why did Djed Spence refuse to shake Thomas Partey's hand? Spence's motives have not been officially stated, but it is widely interpreted as a personal protest against the sexual assault and rape allegations Partey faces. Spence did shake hands with other Ghana players, but pulled his hand away as Partey approached.
Q: Can Thomas Partey still play for Ghana despite being charged with serious crimes? Yes. Under FIFA and national team rules, a player is eligible to play unless convicted or formally suspended by his club or federation. Ghana selected Partey for the World Cup, and he was cleared to enter the United States by border officials because he has not been convicted of any crime.
Q: What are the charges against Thomas Partey? He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one of sexual assault relating to four women, with alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial in the UK next year.
What happens next will depend on the legal process. Partey's trial is scheduled for next year. His club contract with Villarreal is due to expire and is not expected to be renewed. Meanwhile, the World Cup continues—Ghana and England played out a goalless draw in that match. For now, the conversation about how sport should handle players facing serious allegations remains unresolved.