- Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault
- ECB is set to finalise several deals, while ex-Swansea boss has quit airport job
- LISTEN: Was Paul Pogba doomed from the start at Man United? The team discuss his long-awaited return to football on the back of his free transfer to Monaco
Eyebrows have been raised across the Premier League at the timing of the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision to charge the now former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey with five counts of rape.
The Ghana international, who denies the charges, was initially arrested in July 2022 — three years ago — but continued to be a key influence for the Gunners.
The charges landed just three days after the expiration of his Arsenal contract, which has not been renewed despite continuous praise from Mikel Arteta, has been the talk of the competition.
As for the club themselves, a delay in responding to media queries — with some requests for a statement not drawing a response — was put down to the fact that officials were in an emergency meeting to discuss how to respond to a potential scenario that has been in the pipeline for no fewer than 36 months.
A two-line statement eventually landed at 9.54pm on Friday night, reading: ‘The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.’
NEW ECB DEALS
A big week incoming for the ECB, with the stunning deals for the Hundred franchises soon-to-be-finalised. More good news comes in the shape of the new nationwide tournament for state schools.
In the first week since launch, understands that more than 500 state schools have signed up for the Knight-Stokes Cup, which is for year 10 pupils and is named after England pair Ben and Heather, who both went to comprehensives in Cumbria and Plymouth.
The competition is part of a major push under the State School Task force, set up a year ago by the ECB. Meanwhile, the fight continues for money promised by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and then pulled by Sir Keir Starmer to build 20 Domes.
The current government slashed the promised £35m funding and have agreed to fund two of the all-weather facilities, which are game changers for state schools.
RADUCANU BOTTLES
Emma Raducanu is a global ambassador for Evian, whose eye-catching, specially-commissioned bottles have become a must-have item for Wimbledon obsessives.
However, the reusable vessels appear to have only been made available to players, officials and journalists.
And some have been clearly been attempting to cash in – with the bottles available on eBay for as much as £200 each.
WILLIAMS QUITS
Former Swansea City boss Luke Williams has now given up his voluntary role at Bristol Airport after being spotted by fans.
Williams took on a job as a customer care assistant, a move which emphasised his appetite to work rather than just wait at home for his next managerial role.
However, subsequent media coverage saw his position, in which he often helped disabled passengers, become untenable, with football fans frequently asking for selfies.
Those close to the 44-year-old say he did not think the increased attention was fair on those he was attempting to assist.
A BOBBY ROBSON MEMORY
The forthcoming release of a sequel to the classic golf-based comedy brings back a lovely memory of the late, great Bobby Robson.
During his time as Newcastle United manager the club embarked on a tour of the United States.
When a flight to Washington DC landed, those onboard were asked to remain seated for around a further 20 minutes. Why? Because their legendary manager was enjoying watching the original so much he wanted to finish it before disembarking.
MILLWALL AUCTION
A boardroom whiskey decanter, vintage armchairs and home and away dugout seats are among the popular items in an online auction of memorabilia triggered by Millwall’s renovation of the Den.
The 471-item haul also includes a pennant from the match against Sporting Lisbon, which opened the stadium in 1993 along with the ‘welcome’ sign from the Barry Kitchener stand and signs for dressing rooms and the tunnel area.
Trophies up for grabs include a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy team of the round, which has currently fetched a bid of £80.
Sportbidder are running the auction, which ends on Tuesday. Proceeds go to the Championship side.
