Thomas Partey received a mixed response from Villarreal fans as he made his LaLiga debut for the club on Friday.
First-half goals from Etta Eyong and Pape Gueye gave Marcelino’s side a comfortable lead against an Oviedo side that had been reduced to ten men in their season opener.
With the game heading into the closing stages, Partey was handed his competitive debut, coming on as a substitute for Santi Comesana with less than ten minutes remaining.
As Partey made his way onto the pitch at the Estadi de la Ceramica, whistles could be heard from jeering fans mixed in with applause.
Throughout his cameo Partey was also met with boos and whistles from some supporters when he was on the ball.
The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last week to face multiple rape charges, including five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, before being granted bail.
Thomas Partey was booed by some Villarreal fans as he made his LaLiga debut for the club
The 32-year-old came off the bench in the closing stages of Villarreal’s 2-0 win over Oviedo
The midfielder is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said last week.
The charges came just four days after Partey’s contract at the Emirates expired on June 31.
After being granted bail, the Ghanaian was able to complete his free transfer to Villarreal, who have since been the subject of significant controversy as a result of the move.
Despite the furore surrounding the move, Villarreal president Fernando Roig definatly hit back at the criticism directed towards the club’s new signing.
‘The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him,’ Roig said after Partey was booed during a pre-season clash with Aston Villa.
‘The club upholds the presumption of innocence, and it will be the responsibility of the English courts to clarify the facts. We have spent years demonstrating our values with all kinds of activities.
‘We respect the presumption of innocence and, of course, condemn any type of violence, whether inside or outside of football.
A court drawing of Partey, who faces multiple rape charges in the UK stemming from his time at Arsenal
Villarreal president Fernando Roig issued a defiant response in answer to criticism of Partey’s move to the club
Roig was pictured embracing the 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder after Friday’s game
‘At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.’
When asked about the boos directed towards his new player, Roig added: ‘The English [Aston Villa fans] whistled Partey. Not the Villarreal fans.
‘I wouldn’t like our own fans to whistle at players on our team. We must stand with the team and respect the presumption of innocence. He is not a convicted player.
‘We must be cautious and wait for justice. Let’s not judge prematurely. Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction.’
Partey, who will defend himself in court in London next month, is prohibited from contact any of the three women involved in the case, as per the bail conditions.
