BBC talks about Thomas Partey’s handshake mix-up after Djed Spence skips the Ghana player
The BBC explained why they didn’t show Thomas Partey shaking hands with England players before Tuesday’s Group L match.
Partey missed Ghana’s first game in Canada against Panama because he wasn’t allowed into the country, but he was back in the starting team in Boston.
Before the match, a lot of talk focused on how England players would react to Partey during the usual handshakes. The FA told players they could choose whether or not to shake hands with Partey.
He is currently waiting for his trial in London after being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey has said he is not guilty. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said he “continues to deny all charges.”
When Partey met the England players before the game, the cameras quickly switched away and didn’t show their interactions. But several reporters said England defender Djed Spence seemed to avoid Partey.
A video shared by fans showed Spence was the only player who pulled his hand away when Partey offered to shake.
At halftime, the BBC’s Gabby Logan talked about the handshake situation. She told viewers that the cameras had cut away and mentioned reports that Spence didn’t shake Partey’s hand. She also reminded everyone about the charges against Partey and that he denies them.
Gabby Logan said: “One news update. The cameras cut away before the handshakes, but it’s being reported that Djed Spence didn’t shake hands with Thomas Partey before the match. Partey was denied a visa for Ghana’s first game in Canada. He’s been charged with serious offenses and denies them. His trial is set for next year.”
Partey was allowed to play in the US after getting a separate visa, but issues might come up if Ghana qualify in second place in their group. If that happens, Ghana would go back to Toronto, where Partey still isn’t allowed to enter.
Canada’s decision, which FIFA was not involved in, was called “extremely unfair” by Ghana officials.
Before the game, Ghana’s manager Carlos Queiroz chose not to discuss Partey’s case in detail but said he believes in letting the legal process play out and that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
He said: “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. I’m not going to comment on my decisions. He’s here, so what more can we say? It’s not for me or you to judge. Let things follow their course, and one day, we’ll know the truth.”