Spence appears to skip handshake with Partey before World Cup match
8 reported
Footage circulating on social media appears to show England full-back Djed Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their World Cup match in Boston, according to BBC Sport. Partey was booed by England fans as he made his first appearance at this year’s World Cup, having missed Ghana’s first game of the tournament. The 33-year-old was denied entry into Canada after telling officials he had never been arrested nor charged with a crime, and missed Ghana’s 1-0 win against Panama in Toronto as a result. Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022 and is scheduled to stand trial next year. BBC Sport understands the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the match. There were boos from the crowd at Boston Stadium as Partey’s name was read out over the public address system before the Group L match, and his touches of the ball were regularly met with jeers. Partey said before Tuesday’s match he felt “ready to play” against England.
What’s reported
Footage on social media appears to show Djed Spence not shaking hands with Thomas Partey before their World Cup match.
Partey was booed by England fans in his first World Cup appearance this year, having missed Ghana’s first game.
Partey was denied entry into Canada after telling officials he had never been arrested nor charged with a crime, missing Ghana’s 1-0 win against Panama.
Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022, with a trial scheduled next year.
BBC Sport understands the FA did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the match.
Partey’s name was booed at Boston Stadium, and his touches were jeered.
Partey said before the match he felt “ready to play” against England.
US Customs and Border Protection stated Partey has not been convicted and was admitted to the US after being issued a visa.
Key figures
Djed Spence, England full-back
Thomas Partey, Ghana midfielder (formerly of Arsenal, currently at Villarreal)
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Sources: BBC News
