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Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been pictured arriving at court this morning charged with five counts of rape against two women.
Partey, 32, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after alleged offences between 2021 and 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he 'denies all the charges against him', adding that he welcomed 'the opportunity to finally clear his name'.
Partey, a Ghanaian international, was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract ran down at the end of June.
He has been accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts of rape against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman.
Protesters held up a sign criticising Arsenal's alleged handling of the Partey case when the 32-year-old arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court. It read: 'Arsenal said: "We do the right thing". Then did nothing.'
Partey, dressed in a black jumper and trousers and holding a suit jacket over his arm, climbed out of a people carrier before making his way into the building.
His first appearance in court came as he finalises a move to Spanish club Villarreal.
An investigation began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.
The CPS said the charge came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence' during an extensive three-year probe.
'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,' his lawyer said.
'He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.'
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £45million.
He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals.
Arsenal were previously in talks over extending Partey's contract but an agreement could not be reached, resulting in him leaving as a free agent. Head coach Mikel Arteta had described him as a 'really important player for us'.
During Arsenal's pre-season tour in the Far East, following Partey being charged, Arteta said he was '100 per cent' comfortable with how the club handled the case.
However, the Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence Group gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court to protest the club's alleged actions.
'While we recognise that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, we would find any scenario in which a club was to continually select and promote a player under investigation for sexual offences deeply concerning,' the group previously said.
'This would give the suggestion that success on the pitch far outweighs respect for victims of sexual violence.'
An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: 'The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.'
