Mikel Arteta: Arsenal ‘100 per cent’ followed correct protocol over Thomas Partey | OneFootball

Midfielder continued to play for Arsenal after first being arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022

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Mikel Arteta says he is “100 per cent” sure Arsenal followed the correct protocols regarding Thomas Partey, after the midfielder was charged with multiple counts of rape.

The allegations relate to three women who reported incidents between 2021 and 2022.

Partey was first arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022, which sparked an investigation by the Metropolitan Police and then the Crown Prosecution Service.

He continued to play for Arsenal during that time and the club were in talks to give him a new contract.

After Partey was charged, Arsenal said in a statement: “The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”

Speaking on Monday as Arsenal start their pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta was asked for his reaction to Partey’s charges and said: “I think the club was very clear in the statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated. So I cannot comment on that.”

Pushed on whether he was confident the club has followed the right processes, Arteta replied: “100 per cent.”