Villarreal president Fernando Roig defended signing Thomas Partey, citing presumption of innocence despite serious allegations.
He urged caution and respect for legal process as the Ghanaian midfielder awaits his next court date.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has defended the club’s decision to sign former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey despite the player facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK.
Partey, 32, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last week on five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women. The Crown Prosecution Service alleges two counts of rape against one woman, three counts against another, and the sexual assault of a third.
The charges came just days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 31. Following his release on bail, the Ghanaian international completed a free transfer to Villarreal, a move that has sparked significant backlash.
Partey was booed during his first appearance for the club in a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa, though Roig insisted the jeers came from opposing fans. “The English whistled Partey, not Villarreal fans,” Roig said. “I wouldn’t like our fans to whistle at our own players. We must respect the presumption of innocence. He is not a convicted player.”
Speaking after Villarreal’s 2-0 defeat to Villa, Roig stressed that the midfielder denies all allegations and has the right to continue his career until proven otherwise. “At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. We must be cautious and wait for justice,” he said.
The club president added that Villarreal “condemns any form of violence” but will leave the matter to the English courts to determine the facts. He urged against “premature judgment” and emphasized that the club’s decision is rooted in upholding legal principles.
Partey is due to return to court in London next month. His bail conditions prohibit any contact with the three women involved in the case.
