Spence handshake footage puts Partey spotlight back on England-Ghana buildup

Footage shared on social media appears to show England full-back Djed Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their World Cup group match in Boston. The clip has not been described as definitive, so the incident should be treated with caution pending further confirmation.

Partey was making his first appearance at this World Cup after missing Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. The BBC report says he was denied entry to Canada after telling officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime.

The Ghana midfielder has pleaded not guilty to seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge relating to allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022, with a trial scheduled for next year. According to the report, he was booed when his name was announced and again during the match when he touched the ball.

BBC Sport also reported that the Football Association had not discussed the pre-match handshake with England players beforehand, though this was presented as BBC understanding rather than a direct FA statement. US Customs and Border Protection said Partey had not been convicted of a crime and was allowed into the United States after receiving a visa.