Djed Spence appears to snub Thomas Partey handshake before England vs Ghana clash

Most of the England players shook Thomas Partey’s hand before the World Cup clash with Ghana.

Video footage that surfaced on X, however, appeared to show Tottenham star Djed Spence refusing to shake the former Arsenal midfielder’s hand.

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There had been debate about whether the Three Lions players would conduct the usual pre-match gesture.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to raping two women and sexually assaulting another, with another two counts now added to the case.

He was denied entry to Canada for Ghana‘s opener against Panama, but returned to the starting XI to face England.

The FA were said to be weighing up whether to take a stance on the matter. In the end, no stance was taken.

However, the host broadcaster did not show whether the England players did actually shake his hand.

Images later showed that he did shake the hands with most of the England team before the game.

Did the broadcaster cut the footage?

Accusations quickly surfaced on X, but the BBC, who are broadcasting the game in the UK, do not have control over the host feed.

The global World Cup television feed comes from FIFA TV, the broadcasting and production arm of football’s governing body.

Localised broadcasters then take the ‘clean feed’ and add their own graphics and commentary.

Why is Thomas Partey allowed to play against England?

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey received a visa to enter the United States.

He applied for this through the Ghanaian embassy in London, and the authorities in the UK have not restricted his movements, with his trial set for 2027.

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Being accused and put on trial for criminal activity doesn’t automatically stop people receiving a visa to travel to the United States.

Each case is investigated and treated separately, with multiple factors considered.

In the end, they decided to let Partey in, but Canada didn’t.

Why didn’t Partey get into Canada?

Partey’s application to get into Canada falsely claimed that he’d never been charged with criminal convictions in another country.

The Ghanaian international is due to stand trial in June 2027 after appearing in Southwark Court in September and pleading not guilty.

His defence lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him.

“He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment.”

As a result, the Canadian government blocked the Villarreal player from entering the country for Ghana’s game against Panama.

Partey lodged an appeal that was heard by a panel in Ottawa, and that was also rejected.

Once the decision was confirmed, FIFA said: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.

“As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

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