During pre-match introductions for the World Cup match between England and Ghana in Boston, England defender Djed Spence appeared to decline shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey. Most of the England players either shook hands or bumped fists with Partey, a 33-year-old player who denies seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
FIFA camera crews did not capture the full exchange. However, video shared on social media and observations from a distance suggest Spence withdrew his hand as Partey approached. Partey then appeared to look back at Spence. When approached for comment, a press officer stated that manager Thomas Tuchel could not comment for legal reasons.
Pre-Match Protocol and Fan Reaction
It is customary for opposing players to shake hands before World Cup matches. England's players found themselves in a difficult position due to the ongoing debate surrounding Partey's legal situation. Partey was making his World Cup debut in this match against England, having missed his country's opener in Toronto after being denied a visa to enter Canada. Officials in Canada had rejected an appeal against the visa denial, with details of the charges reportedly not being declared in the initial application.
Partey is scheduled to face the allegations at Southwark Crown Court next year. Despite an initial arrest in July 2022, he continued to play for Arsenal until his contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 season and is now with Villarreal, though his contract is set to expire this summer.
As Partey's name appeared on the stadium screen during the team introductions, there were loud boos from the predominantly pro-England crowd. However, pockets of Ghana supporters cheered enthusiastically for their players, including Partey, with some displaying homemade support placards.
Viewers watching the match on television expressed confusion and frustration that the broadcast feed cut away during the handshake segment when Partey approached the England players. Many took to social media to question whether the moment was deliberately avoided by camera operators, with comments such as "Did they deliberately cut away from the Partey handshake?" and "The camera man bottled showing the England players shaking hands with Thomas Partey."