England star appears to snub Thomas Partey handshake before Ghana World Cup clash

Djed Spence appeared to avoid shaking hands with Thomas Partey before England's World Cup meeting with Ghana as supporters repeatedly booed the midfielder throughout the Group L encounter in Boston.Television coverage moved away from the traditional pre-match greetings as Partey made his way along the England line-up.However, footage shared on social media and widely circulated online appeared to show Tottenham defender Spence pulling his hand away as the Ghana international approached.The clip has quickly generated discussion among supporters, although it remains unclear whether Spence intentionally avoided making contact. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say England's other players seemingly acknowledged Partey either with a handshake or a fist bump before kick-off.The atmosphere inside the stadium became increasingly hostile towards the 33-year-old during the match itself.Sections of England supporters jeered when Partey's name was announced before kick-off and boos could be heard each time he touched the ball.Partey missed Ghana's opening group-stage victory over Panama after being refused entry into Canada.Reports indicated that his visa application stated that he was not facing criminal charges, though it is unclear who completed the paperwork.The former Arsenal midfielder has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom.Died Spence of England avoids shaking hands with Thomas ParteyTrip to USA powered by Adansi Travels3Sports Mundial26OnMG pic.twitter.com/ZnswJIcpAX— 3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 23, 2026 LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Fifa ban commentator from World Cup after furious meltdownCristiano Ronaldo screams two-word message down camera after firing Portugal to Uzbekistan World Cup winThomas Tuchel reacts to national anthem change ahead of England and Ghana World Cup showdownPartey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.His absence from the match in Toronto came as a surprise after United States authorities permitted him to enter the country and participate in Ghana's pre-tournament training camp.The issue has inevitably overshadowed Ghana's campaign and prompted questions for England manager Thomas Tuchel and Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham.Bullingham suggested England's chances of success would be enhanced if players and coaches were allowed to concentrate solely on football matters.Tuchel struck a similar tone when asked about the situation ahead of the match.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, be a political role model, the England boss said.The German also hinted that his status as a foreign manager perhaps allowed him to step back from wider debates surrounding issues outside the sport.Maybe I can hide a little bit behind being not English and not talking to everything that happens in your country out of respect, Tuchel said.And focus a little bit more on football.For some of us, it's maybe the one chance in a lifetime and we want to make the best of it.Partey previously spent three seasons alongside Declan Rice at Arsenal and also shared a dressing room with Bukayo Saka before departing the north London club. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter