President of Villarreal’s supporters, Borja Pena, has opened up about why fans are against the club’s decision to sign Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey.
According to him, although Partey is a top player and will improve their team, the charges of rape and sexual assault against the midfielder raise serious concerns.
Pena believes that the ongoing legal battle against the Black Stars midfield enforcer is why fans are against the planned signing of the player this summer.
“It’s a complicated matter because, from a football perspective, we all agree that it’s a great opportunity. He is a player of the highest level, having proven himself in this year’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, for example.
“My personal opinion is that of most fans on social media: I would not agree to sign a player with such serious allegations, and I would understand if the fans booed him on the pitch,” Borja Pena said in an interview as quoted on Africasoccer.com
He continued, “I hope the club takes the fans’ opinion into account, because I believe this isn’t just about improving the team. But no matter how the process turns out, if they sign him, most fans will not agree, even if he is acquitted in the end.”
Thomas Partey, 32, appeared in court in London on Tuesday, August 5, and denied all allegations of rape and sexual assault.
He was subsequently granted conditional bail and is now expected to proceed to complete his move to Villarreal.
