Villarreal president Fernando Roig defended Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who joined The Yellow Submarine last week as a free-agent, after team’s supporters booed the player on his debut for the club against Aston Villa, Goal.com reports.
Partey has sealed a return to Spain after leaving Arsenal. The 32-year-old is facing legal proceedings in the UK, where he is battling allegations of rape and sexual assault. He appeared before a London court on August 5, and was granted conditional bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2.
Villarreal move will help Partey escape hostile environment in England – Issaka
“The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him. 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. At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected,” Roig noted.
“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,” he added.
Partey made his debut for Villareal in the club’s final pre-season friendly against Aston Villa on Sunday, August 10. He came on the pitch on the 73rd, but made the most of it by completing all the passes and winning all the tackles.
Thomas Partey first game in Villareal shirt
15 Minutes played
100% Accurate passes
100% Tackles wonThe octopus is back! 🐙
pic.twitter.com/RsltZIZNgB— THOMA5 (fan) (@ParteyHive) August 11, 2025
