Mikel Arteta answers Thomas Partey question after ex-Arsenal star charged with rape

Mikel Arteta gave his response to questions regarding Thomas Partey’s recent criminal charges during the Arsenal pre-season tour. Speaking to the media for the first time since the club landed in Asia, the Spaniard was asked for his reaction to the news and whether the prospect or possibility of the charges was a factor in the decision not to renew his contract.

“The club was very clear in its statement,” he replied. “There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated, so I cannot comment on any of that.”

Then, when asked whether he felt confident and comfortable that the club followed all the right processes, he said, “100%, yes.”

In a statement released on July 4, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the 32-year-old, of Hertfordshire, had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The statement read: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives."

Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5. "The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022," the Met Police said. "The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape."

Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.

“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Partey denies the charges and "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name", his lawyer has said. Partey made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season and scored four goals.

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