Villarreal have announced the signing of former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey on a one-year deal. The move has been met with much criticism due to Partey’s ongoing legal proceedings.
On Tuesday, Partey appeared in court in London to answer to five charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault brought against him by two victims. Partey has defended his innocence from the alleged charges, but that has earned him little grace from a large chunk of Villarreal fans. The 30-year-old is currently on bail.
However since reports of the move first emerged, Villarreal fans have taken to social media and written to the club to express their rejection and disgust at the idea of signing Partey. On one level it appears the club has at least noticed this, addressing the matter directly, but have not heard it out, going ahead with the move anyway.
Villarreal announced the signing on social media in typical fashion, but then attached an addendum to their post. During the statement, Villarreal say that they ‘respect the presumption of innocence’, and are thus awaiting the ruling on the matter. They say they will not comment further as it is a legal issue, and that they condemn all acts of violence.
The club is aware that the player is involved in legal proceedings in England. The player staunchly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects his presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle and awaits the ruling of the court, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of which he is accused. Taking into account British legislation regarding ongoing proceedings, the club will not comment further on this matter.
Villarreal CF wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to respect and diversity and condemns any act of violence in all its forms, whether gender-based, discriminatory, racist, xenophobic, or conduct that violates human dignity.
Dramz13
0
why put the word out standing 😡
Yotcdprst
0
He is innocent. Arsenal will regret not extend his contract
I'm suprised when u say Arsenal will suffer for letting him leave. for Christ sake it is business and business men have interest. partey had missed more than 40 premier league games due to injury and was being paid full wages and yet he denied an offer to renew with a maintained or reduced wages and u blame it on Arsenal? come on we should think critically
mapbcelt
1
God will keep by his side
god likes rapists? that seems.... wrong
jicclmnrty
0
He is a game changer player
jicclmnrty
0
He is innocent. Arsenal will regret not extend his contract
Tusabmnos
1
If Manutd did the same we'd have Mason.
Yihclstu
3
The best of the best comment from the club! Big up V. Real FC.
Yusaiorsuy
0
go higher
wobabcdnyz
0
sometimes being black in foreign countries comes with a lot of allegations. most of them are aimed at destroying a person's career.
Kozabkmz
2
God will keep by his side
Sullietmercy
0
Villarreal have got a fantastic player for almost free. Wish him the best.
nimbciny
2
God will make ways for you bro
Sammist82
0
Everyone is seeing through it
wawbmopsuy
1
it's well bro. God will see you through.