Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that the club did not err in allowing Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey to play, despite being informed about possible rape charges.<\/p>\n According to him, the club could not have suspended the midfielder, despite complaints from a section of supporters and other personalities.<\/p>\n However, he declined to comment on the formal charges Partey is facing, describing the matter as a sensitive one currently being handled in court.<\/p>\n Speaking ahead of his side’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta insisted he was unable to comment on the “very complicated” legal matter but maintained that the club acted appropriately.<\/p>\n As reported by ESPN, when asked whether he believed the club followed the correct procedures, Arteta replied: \u201cOne hundred per cent.\u201d<\/p>\n The footballer was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 5, 2025.<\/p>\n According to the Metropolitan Police, the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.<\/p>\n The charges involve three women: two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape involve a second woman, and one count of sexual assault pertains to a third woman.<\/p>\n The midfielder is scheduled to go on trial in August 2025.<\/p>\n SB\/VPO<\/p>\n Watch as Ghanaians speak out on Thomas Partey\u2019s rape charge, suggest fresh start in Saudi Arabia<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Mikel](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/255\/25525373.295.jpg\" "\\"Mikel")
Mikel Arteta (L) used to manage Partey (R) at Arsenal<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n