Viral Video Fuels Speculation After Spence Appears To Blank Partey

England defender Djed Spence appeared to refrain from shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey during the customary pre-match greetings ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup Group L fixture between England and Ghana.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Television footage from the encounter showed Spence maintaining his position and looking ahead as Partey moved along the England lineup before kick-off. While the Ghanaian midfielder appeared to exchange greetings with other England players, Spence did not appear to take part in the interaction.

The incident drew attention amid the ongoing legal proceedings involving Partey. The former Arsenal midfielder is facing multiple charges, including allegations of rape and sexual assault relating to incidents said to have occurred in London between 2020 and 2022.

Partey has denied all allegations against him and is expected to face trial in the United Kingdom next year.

The 33-year-old missed Ghana’s opening World Cup fixture against Panama after reportedly encountering entry-related issues in Canada. However, he was subsequently granted entry into the United States and was included in Ghana’s starting lineup against England.

Following the match, questions were raised about the apparent handshake snub during England manager Thomas Tuchel’s post-match press conference.

However, Tuchel did not address the issue after England’s media representatives intervened, citing legal sensitivities surrounding the matter.

Prior to the tournament, both the Football Association and the England coaching staff had advised players to remain focused on football matters and avoid commenting on politically or legally sensitive topics.

As a result, members of the England squad were reportedly left to decide individually whether or not to participate in the customary pre-match greeting with Partey. Among those involved were his former Arsenal teammates, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Partey joined Arsenal FC from Atlético Madrid in a £45 million transfer in 2020 and remained with the club until the expiration of his contract in 2025. He currently plays for Villarreal CF in Spain’s La Liga.