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Villarreal president defiantly responds to backlash over Thomas Partey signing - and urges fans not to 'judge prematurely' as former Arsenal star faces multiple rape charges

Villarreal's president has responded to the heavy criticism his club has faced since signing former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey amid his ongoing rape charges.

Partey, 32, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court last week to face multiple rape charges, including five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, before being granted bail.

The midfielder is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said last week.

The charges came just four days after Partey's contract at the Emirates expired on June 31.