Footage on social media shows Jed Spence appearing to refuse to shake Partey’s hand during pre-match introductions at the World Cup.
Published June 24, 2026
Ghanaian soccer player Thomas Partey’s on-field presence against England in the second leg of the World Cup in Boston, USA, drew boos and scorn from opponents.
England fans made their feelings against Partey public during Tuesday’s Group L match, booing the midfielder’s early touch moments after England defender Jed Spence appeared to refuse a pre-match handshake.
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Partey’s participation in the tournament has come under scrutiny, with the former Arsenal player facing seven charges of rape and two counts of sexual assault in Britain. He denies the charges.
The charges relate to allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022, when he was at London-based Arsenal. Partey is scheduled to go on trial in November.
Footage on social media showed Tottenham Hotspur defender Spence avoiding shaking hands with the 33-year-old midfielder during pre-match introductions after the national anthem.
Partey, who missed Ghana’s first game, a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto, because Canada refused to grant him a visa, was jeered every time he received the ball.
Partey, who currently plays for La Liga side Villarreal, said on Monday that he feels “okay” with former Arsenal team-mates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka and is “ready to play.”
Social media users were quick to notice Spence’s refusal to shake hands and praised the English right-back’s attitude.
Some wondered why the U.S. issued a visa to a party player, creating friction with other players, especially the Iranian team, which received visas just 10 days before the first game.
Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi also faces rape allegations and questions have been raised as to why he was allowed to play in the World Cup despite being scheduled to stand trial for the charges. Hakimi denies the charges.
