A prominent supporters group of Spanish La Liga club Villarreal has voiced strong opposition to the club’s signing of Ghana international Thomas Partey, citing ongoing rape charges against the midfielder.
Partey joined Villarreal on a reported two-year deal following the expiration of his contract with English Premier League side Arsenal. The move marks a return to Spain for the 31-year-old, who previously played for Atletico Madrid before making a £45 million switch to Arsenal in 2020.
While Villarreal see Partey as a major reinforcement, especially after his performances in the 2024-25 season which earned him the 2025 Ghana Footballer of the Year award, his legal troubles in the UK have sparked backlash.
During his time at Arsenal, Partey was charged by the London Metropolitan Police with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving another. He made his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in August and was granted conditional bail, allowing him to continue his football career.
However, César Peña, president of the Villarreal Supporters Club in Villafranca de Barros, Extremadura, told The Athletic:
“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.”
Per the terms of his bail, Partey must notify London Police of any permanent change of address or international travel. His signing continues to divide opinions, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a high-profile return to Spanish football.