Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal's handling of Thomas Partey, saying the club 100% followed proper protocol after the midfielder was charged with rape and sexual assault.
The Ghana international was first arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022, which triggered a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, he continued to play for Arsenal throughout, and as recently as May, Arteta had hinted that the club was considering offering him a new contract.
Now speaking in Singapore during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta backed the club’s handling of the matter:
The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.
When pressed on whether Arsenal had followed due process, he responded, “100%.”
In its brief statement following the charges, Arsenal noted that Partey’s contract had ended on June 30 and that due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.
This case raises difficult questions about how Premier League clubs should navigate ongoing investigations involving players.
While Arsenal insists it followed proper internal and legal protocols, many observers are divided on whether Partey should have remained active in the squad during such a sensitive and serious police inquiry.
The fact that discussions about a new contract were reportedly ongoing just weeks before charges were made public may lead to renewed scrutiny.
As more details emerge through the legal process, the conversation about ethics, transparency, and safeguarding in professional football is likely to intensify not just for Arsenal but across the league.
Picture credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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