Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly defended the Premier League and the club’s response to the serious rape and sexual assault allegations made against Thomas Partey, insisting that "100 percent the right processes were followed."

Arteta’s comments come during a press conference held in Singapore, amid intense scrutiny from the public and media after Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault shortly after his Arsenal contract expired.

⚖️ What Arteta Said:

“We followed all the legal steps and the right processes throughout. Absolutely, 100 percent.”

The Arsenal boss stood firm that the club handled the situation lawfully, despite criticism over how long Partey was allowed to remain active within the squad.

🕵️ The Controversy

A damning report by The Telegraph revealed that Arsenal, the FA, and the Premier League were made aware of complaints involving Partey as early as September 2021, almost a year before his first arrest in 2022.

However, no investigation was launched at that time, with the explanation being that the case did not fall under the FA’s safeguarding policies, which only cover minors and vulnerable adults within the sport.

💬 OPINION — Did Football Fail the System or Follow It?

This situation presents a critical test for how football institutions respond to serious off-pitch misconduct — especially when such allegations arise against high-profile players.

While Arteta may be correct in saying Arsenal followed legal protocol, the question many fans are asking is not just about legality, but morality and accountability.

Should clubs and leagues wait for legal proceedings before taking internal disciplinary action in sensitive cases? Should safeguarding policies in football be expanded to better address such allegations — even beyond youth or at-risk adults?

⚠️ The Bigger Picture

Thomas Partey’s case is not the first, and likely won’t be the last, involving serious allegations against professional athletes. This is a moment of reckoning for English football — where the balance between protecting legal rights and ensuring a safe, responsible sporting culture must be re-evaluated.

🔍 What do you think?
Did Arsenal and the Premier League handle the situation responsibly — or is this another case of reputation over justice?

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