Villarreal Fans’ President Bashes Club’s Move to Sign Ex-Arsenal Midfielder, Thomas Partey

The president of a Villarreal supporters’ club, Cesar Pena, has expressed disapproval over the Spanish team’s pursuit of former Arsenal ace, Thomas Partey.

Partey’s Controversial Transfer

Hot on the heels of Partey’s exit from Arsenal, the 32-year-old was hit with five charges of rape and one of sexual assault. As Villarreal inches closer to signing the Ghanaian international, Pena, the supporters’ club president in Villafranca de Barros, Extremadura, argues that the Yellow Submarine should refrain from recruiting a player embroiled in “such serious allegations”.

Pena’s Take on The Matter

In a conversation with The Athletic, Pena voiced, “It’s a complex issue. In football terms, we all concur that it’s a golden opportunity. He’s a world-class player who has validated his skills to all Spaniards, notably in this year’s Champions League match against Real Madrid. My personal stance mirrors that of most fans on social media: I wouldn’t endorse signing a player accused of such grave crimes and wouldn’t be surprised if the fans jeered the player on the field.

“I hope the club factors in the fans’ sentiment, as I believe this is not just about bolstering the squad. Regardless of the trial’s outcome, if they sign him, a majority of fans will be against it, even if he is ultimately acquitted.”

The Larger Context

Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, is slated to make an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The charges involve three women, with the purported crimes occurring between 2021 and 2022.

What Lies Ahead?

Partey, looking at a La Liga comeback five years post his Atletico Madrid stint, might sign up with Villarreal ahead of the Spanish team’s pre-season friendly against his former club, Arsenal, on Wednesday.