Football star weds days after rape charge

The midfielder, 32, who was charged on Friday, is marrying British model Janine Mackson at a luxury resort in Marbella. Guests posted pictures of the wedding venue on social media as they arrived on Saturday.

Partey was first arrested in 2022 before the Metropolitan police presented a case file to the CPS this year. The file was sent for a charging ­decision in December and updated in April.  The footballer left Arsenal after failing to agree a new contract, four days before he was charged. The club and its manager, Mikel Arteta, have been criticised for the decision not to suspend him after his arrest. The group Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence said it was “devastated and ashamed” at the club’s policy, adding: “This was never just about one player”.

The Met said Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following alleged offences between 2021 and 2022.

Partey is due to appear at West­minster magistrates court on 5 August. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said he “denies all the charges against him”, adding: “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

Photograph by Mike Egerton/PA Wire