Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is facing backlash on social media following a remark he made regarding Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey’s rape charges.
He declined to comment on the formal charges Partey is facing, describing the matter as a sensitive issue currently being handled in court.
Speaking ahead of his side’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta insisted he was unable to comment on the “very complicated” legal matter but maintained that the club acted appropriately.
As reported by ESPN, when asked whether he believed the club followed the correct procedures, Arteta replied: “One hundred per cent.”
This comment did not sit well with some football fans, who believe the Spanish coach is defending the player despite the formal charges.
They described the remark as disgraceful, stating they expected him to condemn the alleged act or at least refrain from commenting, as his response does not reflect well on his reputation.
Some defended the coach’s refusal to comment on the case, citing the fact that it is being handled in court and no judgement can be passed until it’s settled.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Partey’s alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022.
The charges involve three women: two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts involve a second woman, and one count of sexual assault pertains to a third woman.
It is worth noting that the midfielder is scheduled to go on trial in August 2025, and until proven guilty, he cannot be considered guilty of any wrongdoing.
Read the comment below:
Trophyless coward defending rapist lmaoooo
— Pep (@FootballwGaming) July 21, 2025
I’d imagine he’s talking from a strictly legal standpoint as I doubt he’s allowed to really comment on the case outside of defending the club on that.
If he does think that offering Partey a new contract was ‘100%’ the right thing to do tho, he needs to have a look at himself…
— T (@TrueBlueFooty) July 21, 2025
Arsenal bit like the @UKLabour government turning a blind eyes to rapist
— citizen5-1 (@mclowes13) July 21, 2025
Covering it up and lying about injuries are the “right processes” 👍 legohead
— miles (@miles7v) July 21, 2025
Arteta is an absolute cunt so this is no surprise
— LFC211 (@LFC_211) July 21, 2025
One thing he definitely didn’t have to do was play him. That was Artetas and only Arteta decision and a disgraceful one at that. Double standards. Look at how Greenwood and Partey situations was handled. So different.
— KingRagnar89 (@KingRagnar2008) July 21, 2025
Being charged doesn’t mean you are guilty so Mikel is right
— Makou Gabuh (@gabuh70448) July 21, 2025
SB/VPO
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