England’s Spence appears to be refusing to shake hands with Ghanaian footballer Partey | World Cup 2026

Social media footage shows Djed Spence apparently refusing to shake Partey’s hand during the pre-World Cup warm-up.

Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey was cheered on the pitch by an opposing player as his team faced England in their second World Cup match in Boston, United States.

England fans took notice of Partey during Tuesday’s Group L clash, with complaints that the midfielder had started hitting the back of England midfielder Djed Spence as he appeared to refuse to shake his hand before the match.

Partey’s involvement in the tournament has drawn much attention, with the former Arsenal player facing seven counts of rape and two counts of rape in the United Kingdom. He has denied the allegations.

The cases are linked to the allegations of four different women between 2020 and 2022, in his time with Arsenal from London. Partey is expected to go to trial in November or later.

Television footage shows Tottenham Hotspur defender Spence leaping to shake hands with the 33-year-old during the pre-match national anthem.

Partey, who missed Ghana’s opening 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto later Canada refused him a visathen he was mocked every time he received the ball.

On Monday, Partey, who now plays for Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga, said he was feeling better and was “ready to play” against former Arsenal team-mates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Social media users were quick to spot Spence’s refusal to shake hands and praised the English right-hander for his actions.

Some questioned why the US issued a visa to Partey but he created a threat with other players, especially the Iranian team, who received their visas just 10 days before their match.

People also asked why Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi was allowed to play in the World Cup, when he is facing rape chargestoo, and should be prosecuted for these crimes. Hakimi has denied the charges.