Video: Djed Spence sidesteps Partey during World Cup handshake

Djed Spence appeared to bypass Thomas Partey during the pre‑match handshakes before England’s World Cup Group L match against Ghana, amid the ongoing legal case involving the former Arsenal midfielder.

Television footage shows the Tottenham defender walking past Partey during the customary pre‑match greetings, while the Ghana international seemed to exchange handshakes with other members of the England squad.

The incident followed Partey’s denial of entry into Canada, which caused him to miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama.

However, the 33‑year‑old was later cleared to enter the United States and took part in the meeting with England.

Video footage captured Spence, 25, appearing to skip the Villarreal midfielder during the line‑up introductions, with Partey seemingly following standard protocol with the remaining England players.

Partey was initially charged last July with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents in London between 2020 and 2022.

In February, two additional counts of rape were added, bringing the total number of charges to eight. He denies all the allegations and is due to stand trial in the UK next year.

Ahead of the tournament, the Football Association and England manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly advised players to focus on football and avoid discussions surrounding politically sensitive matters.

England players were also said to have been left to make their own decisions on whether or not to shake hands with Partey before the match.

The Group L encounter marked Partey’s return to Ghana’s line‑up after he was unavailable for the opening fixture against Panama due to travel restrictions.