Tottenham full-back appeared to be the only England player not to greet the former Arsenal star in an awkward pre-match moment that has sparked widespread debate.
Djed Spence appeared to refuse to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before England’s Group L World Cup clash at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Tuesday. The Tottenham defender kept his hand in the right pocket of his tracksuit top as Partey walked past—a gesture that seemed to surprise the Ghana vice-captain, who briefly glanced back before continuing.
Television coverage cut away at the crucial moment, but social media footage appeared to show Spence lowering his hand as the 33-year-old made his way down the line. The rest of the England squad either shook hands or fist-bumped the midfielder—including former Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Partey’s legal situation
The moment carried particular weight given Partey’s ongoing legal battles. The former Arsenal midfielder has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London between 2020 and 2022. He was initially charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault last year, with two further rape charges added in February. Partey has denied all charges and is due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court in January 2027.
The issue had become a major talking point before the match, with questions raised over whether England’s players would shake hands with Partey. The Football Association opted not to issue any guidance, with chief executive Mark Bullingham saying England had the best chance of winning the World Cup if allowed to “focus on football”.
Manager Thomas Tuchel echoed that sentiment: “At some point it must be allowed for a football team that is sent to a World Cup to be a football team and not be a political statement”.
Visa chaos and hostile reception
Partey missed Ghana’s opening match against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry to Canada by immigration officials. He had told officials he had never been arrested or charged—a claim his legal team maintains. A Canadian judge later rejected his appeal. However, he was granted a US visa and selected for the England clash.
England fans were hostile from the start, booing heavily as his name was read out and jeering every time he touched the ball in the opening stages.
Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz has consistently defended Partey’s involvement: “Let events run their normal course, let the river flow and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we will find the truth”.
Partey himself downplayed the significance of facing former teammates, telling media: “It’s not about personal achievement. We are 11 players, we are a team”.
