Why did Partey play v Spurs hours before rape charge court appearance?

Thomas Partey has made five appearances for Villarreal this season

Thomas Partey played for Villarreal against Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday - a day before he appeared in court on rape and sexual assault charges in London.

Former Arsenal midfielder Partey, 32, pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.

The night before he had come on as a 78th-minute substitute - replacing Santi Comesana as Tottenham beat Villarreal 1-0.

It was the first match he had played in England since he was charged.

The conditions of his bail do not prevent Partey from playing football, but he must notify police of any international travel 24 hours in advance and must not contact the complainants.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was playing for north London club Arsenal.

How has Spain reacted to Partey's arrival?

Villarreal signed Partey on a free transfer following his release by Arsenal, despite pressure from fans not to.

More than 1,000 supporters have signed a petition set up by online content hub Villarreal Report to protest about Partey's signing.

Partey made his debut on the opening weekend of the La Liga season at home to Real Oviedo on 15 August, and each touch during his 15-minute cameo was met with whistling from the home crowd.

He has since made two further substitute appearances, before making his first start of the season against another of his former clubs - Atletico Madrid - at the weekend.

Villarreal head coach Marcelino said before the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium he was "totally convinced" Partey was "mentally prepared and technically prepared to play".

"We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human," Marcelino said on Monday.

"He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level."

When Marcelino was asked if he had spoken to Partey about the hostility he could face from Tottenham fans, the Spaniard said he was focusing on the football.

"We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent," said Marcelino.

Partey played 167 times for Arsenal after joining in 2020, scoring nine goals.