In a move that’s sent shockwaves across the Premier League, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been officially charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault—three years after he was first arrested in July 2022.
The timing of the charges has raised eyebrows, coming just three days after his contract with Arsenal quietly expired on June 30.
Partey, who denies all the allegations, continued to play a central role for Arsenal throughout those three years, drawing praise from manager Mikel Arteta up until his departure.
The club’s response to the news was slow, eventually issuing a brief two-line statement late Friday night, stating that due to ongoing legal proceedings, they couldn’t comment further.
Behind the scenes, officials had reportedly been locked in emergency meetings, anticipating that this moment might finally arrive.
ECB Prepares to Finalise Game-Changing Cricket Deals
It’s a big week ahead for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as they’re on the brink of finalising massive new deals tied to The Hundred franchises.
But that’s not all—they’ve also just launched an exciting new schools tournament that’s already making waves.
Over 500 state schools have signed up for the Knight-Stokes Cup in just the first week.
The competition, named after cricket stars Ben Stokes and Heather Knight (both of whom came from comprehensive school backgrounds), is targeted at Year 10 students.
It’s all part of a wider effort by the ECB’s State School Task Force to level the playing field in youth cricket.
Still, the push for better grassroots facilities has hit a political snag.
The government recently reduced its commitment from £35 million to just enough to fund two of the 20 promised all-weather “Domes”—a major setback for schools hoping for proper training environments.
Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon Water Bottles Turn Into £200 Collectibles
Emma Raducanu may be out of the tournament, but she’s still making waves at Wimbledon—this time, with a bottle.
As Evian’s global ambassador, the tennis star has been spotted with the brand’s specially commissioned reusable bottles, which are fast becoming status symbols among fans.
There’s just one problem: they’re only available to players, officials, and media personnel.
That hasn’t stopped some opportunists from trying to flip them online, though—bottles have been spotted on eBay going for as much as £200.
Former Swansea Manager Quits Airport Job After Fan Frenzy
Luke Williams, once the manager of Swansea City, made headlines recently—not for football, but for a surprising stint at Bristol Airport.
Taking up a voluntary customer care role, Williams was helping disabled passengers and showing that he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in while between jobs.
Unfortunately, once fans started recognizing him and stopping him for selfies, the job became unmanageable.
Sources close to the 44-year-old say the attention was becoming unfair to the people he was trying to assist, and he reluctantly stepped away.
Bobby Robson Once Delayed a Flight Because of a Movie
As football and film fans get ready for a sequel to a beloved golf-themed comedy, a charming story about Sir Bobby Robson has resurfaced.
Back when he was managing Newcastle United, the squad landed in Washington, D.C. during a US tour.
But instead of rushing off the plane, everyone was asked to stay seated—because Robson was too engrossed in the original film to leave without finishing it.
It’s a warm, very “Bobby” moment that still brings smiles years after his passing.
Millwall Opens the Doors to History With Online Auction
Millwall fans are being given a rare chance to own a piece of club history, as the club auctions off 471 unique items to mark the renovation of The Den.
Up for grabs? Everything from vintage armchairs to dugout seats, dressing room signs, and even a boardroom whiskey decanter.
Among the more nostalgic items is a pennant from their 1993 match against Sporting Lisbon and a “Welcome” sign from the Barry Kitchener stand.
Bidding is well underway, with a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy team award already fetching £80.
The auction, hosted by Sportbidder, runs until Tuesday, with all proceeds going back to the club.
