Most of England’s World Cup stars opted to shake hands with former Arsenal player Thomas Partey ahead of their Group L clash against Ghana, but the BBC feed didn’t show it. The only exception was Tottenham full-back Djed Spence, who refused to shake Partey’s hand. Spence did not offer his hand to the ex-Arsenal midfielder and appeared to be the only player who did not shake hands with the 33-year-old.
The Three Lions entered their match-up in Boston after a stunning 4-2 victory over Croatia on opening night last week. Thomas Tuchel’s side were battling for the chance to secure qualification to the round-of-32 stage. England are looking to end 60 years of hurt on the global stage as they go in search of a first World Cup title since 1966.
But it was ahead of the Ghana game where tensions were heightened, given England were coming up against Partey. The 33-year-old is due to stand trial in the UK next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022.
During the pre-match handshake, all 26 of England’s players interacted with the former Gunners star. However, as they were approaching Partey, the BBC feed cut away from the England players.
There had been suggestions that England’s players would snub Partey in the pre-match handshake, however, that wasn’t the case. Instead, all 26 of England’s playing squad shook hands with the midfielder, who currently plays for Villarreal in La Liga. Chants directed towards Partey were heard during the match, with the Ghana international also booed by the travelling fans.
Partey faces serious legal charges from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England, including seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. He was accused by four different women, who under UK law are automatically entitled to lifelong anonymity.
FIFA announced changes to the pre-match routine for this World Cup, with all 26 players involved in the squad lining up around the centre circle for the national anthems. It was a shift from the previous format where only the starting XI players would line up for the anthems and the handshakes.
It comes after Partey missed Ghana’s opener against Panama last week, having been refused entry to Canada because of the charges. Partey wrongly told officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime while filling out his visa application and was denied entry by immigration officers as a result.
He appealed the verdict but last week in an Ottawa courtroom, Justice Roger Lafrenière refused to override the decision made by immigration officials. Ghana won the game 1-0, with Caleb Yirenkyi netting the winning goal.