During the pre-match ceremony for England’s Group L World Cup contest against Ghana, Djed Spence was seen avoiding a handshake with Thomas Partey. While the Ghanaian midfielder greeted the rest of the English players, the Tottenham defender moved past him without making contact. This moment occurred shortly after Partey faced travel complications that prevented him from entering Canada for Ghana’s match against Panama, though he was later permitted to travel to the United States to play against England.
Partey is currently facing eight legal charges in the UK, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, for which he has entered a plea of not guilty. He is scheduled to appear for trial next year. Prior to the tournament, the Football Association and England boss Thomas Tuchel informed squad members that they could determine their own stance regarding pre-match greetings with Partey, while also encouraging a focus on the game itself.
