Despite Thomas Partey’s several rape allegations in the UK, Villarreal president Fernando Roig has defended the team’s choice to recruit the Ghanaian midfielder.
Due to the ongoing legal action against him, several members of the club’s fan base and the general public have criticised Partey’s recent move from Arsenal to Villarreal, placing him at the centre of controversy.
In response to criticism of his decision to sign the former Arsenal player, Roig maintained that the 31-year-old should be given the benefit of the doubt until proven guilty.
During his first appearance in a Villarreal jersey, Partey was jeered and whistled at during the Yellow Submarine’s pre-season friendly against Aston Villa over the weekend.
Fernando Roig, the club’s president, responded to the criticism by stating that the team “upholds the presumption of innocence” until he (Partey) is proven otherwise by the court of law.
‘The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him,’ Roig said after the 2-0 defeat by Villa.
‘The club upholds the presumption of innocence, and it will be the responsibility of the English courts to clarify the facts. We have spent years demonstrating our values with all kinds of activities.
”We respect the presumption of innocence and, of course, condemn any type of violence, whether inside or outside of football.
‘’At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.’
When asked about the boos directed towards his new player, Roig added:
‘’The English [Aston Villa fans] 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 and respect the presumption of innocence. He is not a convicted player.
‘’We must be cautious and wait for justice. Let’s not judge prematurely. Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction.” Roig added.
