Thomas Partey was due to get married on Saturday – the day after he was charged with rape by the Crown Prosecution Service.
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Midfielder got engaged last yearJanine Mackson gave birth to their daughter in 2024Couple due to wed in SpainWHAT HAPPENED?
Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Friday following an investigation spanning more than three years. The charges are related to complaints from three women. The announcement from the CPS came just four days after Partey's contract with Arsenal ran out and he formally left the club following unsuccessful talks to sign a new deal. And GOAL understands it comes just one day before he was due to get married in Spain.
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Partey got engaged to English model and influencer Janine Mackson in the summer of 2024. Mackson gave birth to the couple's daughter earlier in 2024. At the end of the 2023-24 season, when Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City, Partey was seen introducing Mackson and their daughter to coach Mikel Arteta. Mackson posted pictures last month on Instagram of what appeared to be a bachelorette party in Ibiza, captioning the post 'A weekend full of love'. The post was liked by Partey. GOAL has contacted Arsenal and Partey's representatives for comment although neither immediately responded. It was not clear whether the wedding would go ahead although it is understood Partey was in Spain on Thursday.
WHAT WAS SAID?
A defence lawyer for Partey told : "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. 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."
DID YOU KNOW?
Partey was first arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022. It was announced at the time that an unnamed Premier League footballer had been arrested. However, his identity was quickly revealed online. As a result, Partey was booed on many occasions by opposition fans, most notably when he came off the bench in extra-time of the Gunners' FA Cup third round tie against Manchester United in January.
