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  "path": "/2026/06/23/one-england-star-appears-refuse-thomas-partey-handshake-ahead-world-cup-clash-28897111/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-23T20:34:09.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Football",
    "Sport",
    "England men's football team",
    "Ghana",
    "Thomas Partey",
    "World Cup",
    "England",
    "Arsenal",
    "Sign up",
    "London",
    "Metropolitan Police",
    "pleaded not guilty to all charges",
    "denied a Canadian visa.",
    "Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source"
  ],
  "textContent": "Players lined up for pre-match handshakes ahead of kick-off (Picture: Getty)\n\nOne England star appeared to avoid shaking hands with Thomas Partey moments before the World Cup clash with Ghana.\n\nAhead of kick-off in Boston, the two teams lined up for traditional pre-match handshakes following the respective national anthems.\n\nBBC cameras panned away from the handshakes just as the Ghana squad began walking down the England line.\n\nFormer Arsenal midfielder Partey had already made his way down the line by the time cameras returned to focus on the players.\n\n##  Don't miss a World Cup moment\n\n(Picture: Getty)\n\n\nWe're witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.\n\nBut footage shared on social media from within the stadium appeared to show Tottenham defender Spence refusing to shake Partey’s hand.\n\nThe midfielder was heavily booed by sections of the England support during the earlty stages of the match.\n\nLast July, London’s Metropolitan Police charged Partey with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. In February, the 32-year-old was charged with two additional counts of rape.\n\nKane shook Partey’ hand ahead of kick-off (Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)\n\nPartey is awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.\n\nEngland captain Harry Kane was among those pictured shaking the Villarreal player’s hand.\n\nLast week, it was reported the Football Association would not issue any guidance to the squad over shaking hands with the Ghana player.\n\nPartey was released by Arsenal at the end of his contract last summer, joining Spanish side Villarreal.\n\nPartey and his teammates singing the national anthem ahead of kick-off (Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)\n\nHe missed Ghana’s opening match against Panama last week after being denied a Canadian visa.\n\n‘It’s part of football,” Partey said. ‘Things happen outside football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel OK and ready to play.’\n\n\nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "One England star appears to refuse Thomas Partey handshake ahead of World Cup clash"
}