Djed Spence Snubs Partey Handshake Amid Fan Boos at World Cup Match
Djed Spence Snubs Partey Handshake Amid Fan Boos at World Cup Match
Tensions flare at the World Cup! England's Djed Spence appears to snub Thomas Partey's handshake as Ghana's midfielder faces boos over legal issues. Dive into the controversial match moment.
A controversial moment unfolded at a recent World Cup group match in Boston, as England full-back Djed Spence appeared to bypass a handshake with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey. Footage circulating widely on social media captures the apparent snub, adding another layer to the already tense atmosphere surrounding Partey.
Partey, 33, faced a chorus of boos from England fans as his name was announced over the public address system at Boston Stadium. Every touch of the ball by the Villarreal and former Arsenal midfielder was met with jeers throughout the Group L match. This marked Partey's first appearance at this year's World Cup, having missed Ghana's opening game.
His absence from Ghana's 1-0 victory against Panama in Toronto stemmed from being denied entry into Canada. Reports indicate he was refused entry after informing officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. However, Partey is currently facing serious legal allegations. He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to accusations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.
BBC Sport has clarified that the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake protocol with players before the game. This suggests Spence's action was likely a personal decision rather than a directive from team management. The incident highlights the growing public scrutiny and fan sentiment surrounding players facing legal issues, even in high-profile international sporting events.
