News that former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal has angered many of the Spanish club’s fans, with hundreds signing a petition calling it the “darkest day in the club’s history.”
Partey appeared in a London court on Tuesday, facing five counts of rape involving two women and a sexual assault charge against a third. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred in 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal.
After being granted conditional bail, the court heard that the 32-year-old Ghanaian international would soon move to Spain. Villarreal have agreed to sign him on a one-year deal with an option to extend for another 12 months.
The news has sparked outrage among fans. Football journalist Rahul Lakhani, who runs the La Liga London account, said: “It’s shaken the community. Some argue he’s innocent until proven guilty, but most Villarreal supporters don’t want their club associated with him.”
On social media, fans have protested using the hashtag #NoToThomasPartey, while others have shared the club’s contact details to encourage complaints.
With Arsenal set to play Villarreal in a friendly on Wednesday, Lakhani called the potential signing a stain on the club’s reputation. Unlike major clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona, Villarreal is seen as a family-run team deeply connected to its small hometown.
Over 800 people have signed a petition condemning the move as a “slap in the face” to fans and victims of sexual abuse worldwide. The Villarreal Report, an online hub, called it “an act of pure betrayal” and warned of the “darkest day in the club’s history.”
Villarreal did not respond to requests for comment.
Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired after failed renewal talks, leading to his move to Spain. He was charged shortly after leaving the club following a 2022 investigation. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has stated that he “denies all charges” and looks forward to clearing his name.
While some fans support the signing, calling it a strong addition to the squad, the controversy has deeply divided supporters.He’s part of the L’Os Groc supporters club in Madrid. “I have full confidence in the club,” he said, noting that most of the 60 members in his fan group share this view. “Only two or three don’t want him.”
Others focused on the bigger picture. “I’m against this signing,” said César Márquez Trabado, president of the Peña Amarilla Villafranca de los Barros supporters club. “There’s no doubt he’d be a great fit for Villarreal—he’s an incredibly talented player. But I believe there are ethical lines we shouldn’t cross, even if he hasn’t been convicted of the accusations against him.”
He added that many fans agree. “I’d say 90% are against this. Sure, the team might get better in the short term, but in the long run, it could seriously harm our reputation.”
