Source: REUTERS/Hannah McKay
[Saba Sports News] Recently, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against three victims between 2021 and 2022, after a three-year police investigation. According to British media reports, Arsenal was fully aware of Thomas’ situation, but continued to push for a contract extension as late as April this year. At the end of last season, the club had discussed extending his contract, but his contract expired on June 30, and he left the club as a free agent. Since February 2022, Thomas has been under investigation for rape allegations and was arrested for the first time in July 2022. The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the specific charges on Friday afternoon and formally charged him with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Since his first arrest in July 2022, Thomas has been questioned multiple times by the Metropolitan Police. Due to repeated extensions of his bail, he was able to continue playing for Arsenal. Under UK law, suspects have a right to privacy before being formally charged. Judicial authorities generally believe that the public has no right to know the specific reasons for an individual’s investigation or arrest. Once the prosecution process is initiated, the name disclosure restrictions are lifted. Therefore, Thomas’ name became publicly known in the media. Reports indicate that Arsenal was fully aware of Thomas’ police investigation and continued to actively negotiate his contract extension until April this year.