Mikel Arteta says Arsenal and Premier League followed right steps in Thomas Partey case.
The midfielder faces rape charges, sparking fresh debate on football’s role in handling allegations.
SEE ALSO: Arsenal Break Silence on Thomas Partey’s Rape
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken publicly for the first time regarding the rape and sexual assault allegations leveled against former midfielder Thomas Partey, stating that the Premier League followed the correct procedures.
Speaking during a press conference in Singapore on Monday, Arteta maintained that both Arsenal and the Premier League acted appropriately amid growing scrutiny over how the allegations were handled. “We 100 per cent followed the right processes,” the Spanish coach said firmly.
The remarks come in the wake of renewed public attention following the recent confirmation that Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. These charges were filed shortly after his contract with Arsenal expired.
Critics have expressed outrage over the timeline of events, especially after The Telegraph reported that concerns regarding Partey’s conduct had been raised as far back as September 2021. Despite this, there was reportedly no formal investigation until his first arrest in 2022.
According to the report, Arsenal, the Football Association (FA), and the Premier League were all aware of complaints involving Partey before any legal action was taken. However, officials argued that the case did not fall within the FA’s safeguarding remit, which is primarily concerned with protecting children and adults deemed “at risk” within the football community.
The situation has sparked intense debate over the responsibilities of clubs and football governing bodies in handling serious off-field allegations against players, especially those involving potential criminal behavior.
While Arsenal has maintained silence on the matter until now, Arteta’s public defense suggests the club is attempting to reassure fans and stakeholders of its ethical compliance during the controversy.
Partey, a Ghana international, joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid in a high-profile transfer. His legal case is still unfolding, and he has yet to issue a detailed public response to the charges.
The FA and Premier League have not released further comments since the latest revelations.
