Thomas Partey handshake cut addressed by the BBC as Djed Spence snubs Ghana star
The BBC addressed not showing the Thomas Partey handshake with England players ahead of the Group L fixture on Tuesday evening.
Having been refused entry into Canada for Ghana's first game against Panama in Toronto, Partey returned to the starting XI in Boston.
Plenty of the pre-match conversation centered on how England players would respond to Partey when it came to the pre-match handshakes.
The FA informed players that they could make their own decision on shaking hands with the former Arsenal midfielder, who is awaiting trial in London after being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
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He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which related to allegations made by multiple women.
His defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said he "continues to deny all charges against him".
Just as Partey was set to come face to face with England players, the broadcast feed did not show any of his interactions as cameras cut away.
However, multiple journalists claimed that England defender Djed Spence appeared to snub Partey.
What did the BBC do after Thomas Partey's handshake snub?
Fan footage which circulated online showed Spurs star Spence being the only player to pull his hand away when Partey offered his.
At half-time, the BBC addressed the handshake when Gabby Logan confirmed cameras had cut away and informed views of the reports that Spence refused to shake hands with Partey.
She then repeated details of the case and the fact that Partey denies all charges against him.
Logan explained: "One news line. The cameras cut away before the handshakes but it's being reported Djed Spence did not shake hands with Thomas Partey pre-match.
"Partey was refused a visa for the opening game in Canada of course. He's been charged with seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault. He's denied the charges and is scheduled to go on trial next year."
Partey is eligible to play in the US after receiving a separate visa application but an issue could arise in the round of 32 if Ghana qualify in second place.
That's because if they finish second, Ghana will return to Toronto - where Partey is still unable to visit after an unsuccessful appeal.
The decision from the Canadian government, of which FIFA had no involvement in, was branded "extremely unfair" by officials in Ghana.
Beforehand, manager Carlos Queiroz had refused to be drawn into discussing Partey's case but adopted the stance that he is innocent until proven guilty.
"If the player is here with me, my answer is clear," manager Carlos Queiroz said on the matter.
He stated: "I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about?
"This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.
"Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth."
Partey spent five seasons at Arsenal after joining from Atletico Madrid and returned to Spain with Villarreal after his contract expired in 2025.
Topics: England, FIFA World Cup, Football
Josh Lawless