Thomas Partey’s Villarreal Debut: Ex-Arsenal Star Faces Jeers, Whistles and Applause
- Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey received a mixed reception from Villarreal fans during his club debut
- The divided reactions in Castellón are linked to the multiple sexual offence charges he faces in the UK
- Partey is anticipated to make his La Liga bow soon, with the Yellow Submarine set to take on Real Oviedo in the coming days
Thomas Partey stepped onto the pitch at the Estadio de la Cerámica for the first time in Villarreal colours on Sunday, August 10.
The occasion was his debut, yet the atmosphere was anything but straightforward.
Introduced in the closing stages of the second half, the 32-year-old found his new side trailing by two goals as they wrapped up their pre-season campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Mixed emotions greet Partey in Villarreal debut
In just 15 minutes, Partey showed the qualities that have long defined his game.
According to Partey Hive on X, he completed every pass and won every tackle during his short stint. But beyond the numbers, it was the crowd’s reaction that told the real story.
Every touch was met with a mix of sounds. Some fans clapped in support, their cheers ringing clear.
Others jeered, with whistles cutting through the night air. The split in sentiment was hard to ignore, a reflection of the cloud that still hangs over his name.
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This was not the first time Partey has faced such an atmosphere. Back in 2022, when allegations first emerged, he endured similar treatment in England.
Almost every Premier League ground brought its share of boos whenever he was on the ball.
Sunday night in Spain felt like a continuation of that chapter, just in a different league.
Partey to play first La Liga game amid legal case in UK
Villarreal will now turn their attention to their La Liga opener against newly promoted Real Oviedo on Friday, August 15.
Source: Getty Images
On the pitch, Partey will be hoping for a smoother start in competitive action. Off it, his challenges remain far more complicated.
According to Sky Sports, the midfielder is currently on conditional bail in the United Kingdom after appearing in court over serious allegations.
The former Atletico Madrid star is due back before the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey, on Tuesday, September 2.
As noted by The Guardian, the alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2021 and 2022 when he was a player for Premier League side, Arsenal.
He faces five counts of non-consensual acts and one charge of sexual assault. Partey has firmly denied all accusations, maintaining his innocence as the legal process unfolds.
Stonebwoy, Appiah reacts to Partey’s first Villarreal training
In a related story, YEN.com.gh reported that Thomas Partey’s debut training session with Villarreal drew reactions from Stephen Appiah and Stonebwoy.
Stonebwoy, born Livingston Etse Satekla, kept it brief but powerful with two fire emojis. Appiah, the former Black Stars captain, expressed his encouragement with two flexed muscle emojis, showing support for the Ghanaian midfielder.
Source: YEN.com.gh
