Why is Partey playing v Spurs hours before rape charge court appearance?

Thomas Partey has made four appearances for Villarreal this season

Thomas Partey is expected to play for Villarreal at Tottenham in the Champions League despite being due to appear in court - just hours later - on rape and sexual assault charges in London on Wednesday.

Ghana midfielder Partey, 32, was charged last month with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

It will be the first match he has played in England since the allegations first came to light, if he is selected to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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.

Partey denies the charges with his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire adding he "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name".

He was granted conditional bail and two days later signed for Spanish side Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season.

Partey will appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing.

How has Spain reacted to Partey's arrival?

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

More than 1,000 supporters have signed a petition set up by online content hub Villarreal Report to protest 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 former club - Atletico Madrid - at the weekend. And he is now set to feature against Tottenham.

"I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow," said Villarreal head coach Marcelino on Monday.

"For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human."

"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.

"We're playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football.

"This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you."

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