Cesar Pena, President of one of Villareal’s supporters’ clubs, has opposed the club’s effort to sign Thomas Partey, who was granted bail on charges of rape and sexual assault, Afrosport reports.
The 32-year-old Ghana midfielder was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against three women, four days after his contract with the Arsenal expired at the end of June and was handed conditional bail at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Partey’s bail conditions state he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
Partey has denied all the charges against him and has welcomed the opportunity to clear his name with the next court appearance on September 2.
According to The Athletic, Partey is set to join Villarreal after signing a two-year deal and has undergone a medical. Pena is however not pleased with the club making such a move.
“It’s a complicated issue because, in football terms, we all agree that it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“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.”
Partey played for Atletico Madrid, where his senior career began, between 2013 and 2020, making 188 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 12 assists.
He also had loan spells at Mallorca and Almeria.
