Greg . 6 hours ago

Villarreal fan group oppose potential signing of ex-Arsenal midfielder Partey

Tensions are rising at Villarreal after the president of a major supporters' club publicly criticised the team's efforts to sign former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.

Just days after the 32-year-old left Arsenal once his contract expired, he was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has protected the club’s conduct in playing Partey while the investigation was ongoing.

According to The Athletic, Spanish club Villarreal are now in talks to hand over the Ghana international to Spain.

Cesar Pena, president of the Villarreal supporters’ club in Villafranca de Barros, Extremadura, has struck out at the club for trying to sign him.

Pena told The Athletic: "It’s a complicated issue because, in football terms, we all support that it’s a great opportunity.

 “He’s a top-level player who has proven himself to all Spaniards, for example, in this year’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid.

 “My personal opinion is the same as that stated by most fans on social media: I would not support to sign a player accused of such serious crimes and I would understand if the fans booed the player on the pitch.

 "I wish the club takes the fans’ opinion into account, as I trust this is not just a matter of improving the squad.

However, whatever the outcome of the trial, if they sign him, most fans will not support with it, even if he is ultimately establish not guilty.

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