Social media footage exhibits Djed Spence showing to say no to shake arms with Partey throughout pre-match introductions on the World Cup.
Printed On 24 Jun 2026
Ghana footballer Thomas Partey’s on-field presence was met with boos and a snub from an opposition participant as his group confronted England of their second World Cup match in Boston, United States.
England followers made their emotions about Partey recognized throughout Tuesday’s Group L conflict, booing the midfielder’s early touches shortly after England defender Djed Spence appeared to say no a pre-match handshake with him.
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Partey’s participation within the event has attracted scrutiny, with the previous Arsenal participant dealing with seven expenses of rape and two of sexual assault in the UK. He has denied the allegations.
The costs are linked to allegations by 4 completely different ladies between 2020 and 2022, throughout his time with London-based Arsenal. Partey is scheduled to face trial in November or later.
Social media footage appeared to indicate Tottenham Hotspur defender Spence bypassing a handshake with the 33-year-old midfielder through the pre-match introductions following the nationwide anthems.
Partey, who missed Ghana’s opening 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto after Canada refused him a visa, was then jeered each time he obtained the ball.
On Monday, Partey, who now performs for Villarreal within the Spanish La Liga, had mentioned he felt “OK” and was “able to play” in opposition to his former Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Social media customers have been fast to identify Spence’s handshake refusal and praised the English right-back for his stance.
Some questioned why the US granted a visa to Partey however created a rigmarole with different gamers, most notably the Iranian group, who obtained their visas simply 10 days earlier than their first match.
Individuals additionally questioned why Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was allowed to play on the World Cup, when he faces rape allegations, too, and is because of stand trial on the fees. Hakimi has denied the fees.
