Partey’s arrival in Villarreal divides fans

Villarreal is small club from a small town in Spain but with big results. Their rise began in the 21st century when they went into La Liga and then debuted in the Champions League 2005. They made it to the semi-finals twice (2006 and 2022) and also won the Europa League (2021). Everything runs smooth in this club and the fans are united in support of their beloved ‘Yellow Submarine’. But former Arsenal midfielder has caused a stir which has divided fans even thou he hasn’t even arrived in Spain. And some fans are taking drastic actions.

Thomas Partey is a well known name in Spain, since he played in Atletico Madrid before joining the Gunners, while also playing on loans in Mallorca and Almeira. After failing to agree a contract extension with Arsenal, the Ghana international left the Emirates as a free agent and Villarreal reacted. They offered him a two-year contract, Partey passed the medicals and everything would be fine, only if it wasn’t that rape allegations. Ex-Arsenal midfielder has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The 32-year-old Ghanaian has been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club until the expiry of his contract at the end of June. Partey will now appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5 and his stance was clear from the very beginning – he is not guilty.

Arteta speaks about Partey rape case

The court appearance is expected to be brief as it’s not a trial and new dates will be set, but the club still awaits to officially appoint Partey. And the fans who are not into ‘innocent until proven guilty’ phrase have gathered on the social media and are advocating against his arrival no matter what. #NoAThomasPartey is their hashtag and they are against Ghana international signing, and they hope the club will be persuaded to change his mind.

“It’s a complicated issue because, in football terms, we all agree that it’s a great opportunity. He’s a top-level player who has proven himself to all Spaniards, for example, in this year’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid. My personal opinion is the same as that expressed by most fans on social media: I would not agree to sign a player accused of such serious crimes and I would understand if the fans booed the player on the pitch. I hope the club takes the fans’ opinion into account, as I believe this is not just a matter of improving the squad. However, whatever the outcome of the trial, if they sign him, most fans will not agree with it, even if he is ultimately found not guilty” said Cesar Pena, president of the Villarreal supporters’ club in Villafranca de Barros. Since the hearing on Tuesday won’t bring anything new, Villarreal’s postponement of Partey’s offical announcement might have something to do with fans’ unhappiness.