England's player refused to shake hands with Ghana star Thomas Partey

Partey, Ghana's deputy captain, played midfield in the Boston match, after he had earlier been denied entry into Canada for the “BYS opening match against Panama.

The former Arsenal midfielder is awaiting trial in London on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, against which he has been declared innocent.

For the traditional handshake before the match, “The Times” reported that the FA did not take a clear stand and told players that the decision on whether to welcome Partey was individual.

The moment Partey passed before the players of England did not show up on the television broadcast after the cameras left the scene.

However, images recorded by fans at the stadium and distributed online appear to have shown that Djed Spence was the only English player who did not extend his hand to Partey.

The images seem to support the claim of journalist Owuraku Ampofo, who was present at the stadium.

“Journal Flashscore” wrote in “X”: “From where I'm sitting in the stadium, it seems that Djed Spence ignored Thomas Partey during the hand-tightening fight”.

Also, “journalist ESPN”, James Olley, added: “looked like Djed Spence didn't give Thomas Partey's hand before the start of the” match.

Tottenham Hotspur's defender, who is England's first Muslim player to play in a World Cup, began the match as a title after an impressive presentation as substitute against Croatia.

Partey currently plays for Willarreal in Spain, after leaving as a free player from Arsenal in 2025, after five seasons at the “Emirates” Stadium.

He played for two seasons alongside English midfielder Dean Rice at Arsenal.

Partey's defense lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said he “continues to deny all charges against him”.

The Name Partey was whistled loudly when it was announced in Ghana's title formation before the match, while similar reactions occurred every time he touched the ball at the “Gillette” stadium.