- Thomas Partey has earned the backing of Villarreal’s president as he faces a serious legal battle in the UK
- The 32-year-old is on conditional bail after being hit with six sexual offence charges
- He is in line to make his competitive debut for the Yellow Submarine in La Liga on Friday, August 15
Villarreal president Fernando Roig Alfonso has spoken publicly for the first time about Thomas Partey’s ongoing legal battle in the United Kingdom.
The 78-year-old businessman urged supporters of the Yellow Submarine to resist passing judgement before the case concludes.
Source: Getty Images
Villarreal president finally reacts to Partey’s serious case
“We must be cautious and wait for justice. Let’s not judge prematurely,” Roig Alfonso said, as quoted by GOAL.
Explaining his stance, the Spanish billionaire highlighted the importance of the long-standing legal principle of innocent until proven guilty.
According to him, that right should protect Partey’s ability to continue his work as a professional footballer.
“Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction. At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”
Roig Alfonso also appealed directly to Villarreal supporters, asking them not to join in the negative treatment Partey has faced elsewhere.
“The English whistled Partey. Not the Villarreal fans. I wouldn’t like our own fans to whistle at players on our team. We must stand with the team. He is not a convicted player.”
Roig Alfonso’s remarks come amid growing unrest among sections of the club’s loyal fanbase.
More than 1,000 supporters have signed an online petition demanding Villarreal terminate Partey’s contract, describing the decision to sign him as “disgraceful” and at odds with the family-friendly image the club has built over the years.
Some season ticket holders have hinted they may boycott home matches in protest, while others have called on the club’s sponsors to reassess their partnerships.
Source: Getty Images
Partey’s serious legal case in the UK
The Ghanaian midfielder has been charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct relating to incidents alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Partey has denied all accusations and insists on his innocence, as noted by Al Jazeera.
Just this month, he appeared in court for the first time since the charges were filed.
The hearing lasted about fifteen minutes, after which he was granted conditional bail. He is scheduled to return to court on September 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Partey has already linked up with his new teammates at Villarreal.
He featured in the Trofeo de la Cerámica, a pre-season clash in which the Spanish side fell 2-0 to Aston Villa.
After the game, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to God after making his first appearance for the Yellow Submarine.
The midfielder took to Instagram after the game, writing: “First minutes in the tank, God is good 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️”
The 32-year-old is expected to make his competitive La Liga debut on Friday, August 15, when Villarreal face newly promoted Real Oviedo.
Partey takes huge salary cut at Villarreal
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Thomas Partey agreed to a massive pay cut after swapping Arsenal for Villarreal.
The 32-year-old, who previously earned £200,000 a week in North London, will now take home 74.5% less in wages at his new club.
Source: YEN.com.gh
