00:00The Premier League footballer first arrested three years ago has now been officially named
00:06as former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, following the revelations earlier this week
00:11that he faces criminal charges.
00:14Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault related to
00:19allegations from three women spanning in 2021 and 2022.
00:24He has denied all charges.
00:26The Metropolitan Police investigation began in February 2022 and Partey was first arrested
00:34in July of that year.
00:35Despite the severity of the allegations, Arsenal chose not to suspend him, allowing him to continue
00:41to play.
00:42He made 52 appearances last season.
00:45The club's current stance reconfirmed in a short statement since the news broke, emphasises
00:49legal restraint.
00:51The player's contract ended on June 30th due to ongoing legal proceedings.
00:55The club is unable to comment on the case.
00:59Arsenal are now facing difficult questions with the timing of the charges.
01:04Announced just days after the expiry of Partey's contract has intensified scrutiny of the club's
01:10past decisions.
01:11The club initially defended him, stating he denied the allegations and can fulfil his professionalism.
01:17However, revelations that Arsenal reportedly discussed a new contract with Partey earlier
01:23this year have fuelled accusations they prioritised footballing interests over ethical responsibility.
01:31Manchester United, for example, suspended player Mason Greenwood in January 2022 upon similar
01:37charges.
01:38That suspension was widely seen as a declaration of guilt, but as a demonstration of due regard
01:44for the seriousness of the allegations.
01:48The party case poses a broader question about football's moral responsibility.
01:55When legal offences arise, should clubs step back irrespective of a player's talent or the
02:00timing of their contract?
02:02Arsenal's recent stance to suggest otherwise and may be inside thinking.
02:07What message does that send to players, staff, fans and the public at large?
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