The Handshake That Never Was
The pre-match handshake is a time-honoured tradition in football, symbolising respect and fair play. However, when England lined up to face Ghana in their second Group D match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all eyes were on one man: Thomas Partey.
As the two teams exchanged formalities at Boston's Gillette Stadium, social media footage appeared to show Djed Spence, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, deliberately avoiding the outstretched hand of Thomas Partey. Spence, 25, kept his arms by his side and moved past the Ghana midfielder without acknowledging him.
Television cameras did not capture every handshake, but the clips quickly went viral, with many interpreting Spence's actions as a pointed snub. All other England players appeared to complete the handshake with Partey, making the incident stand out even more sharply.
FA's Deliberate Silence
According to Sky Sports News, the Football Association made a conscious decision not to issue any guidance to England players about interacting with Partey. The governing body wished to avoid any suggestion that it was pre-judging the player's legal case. The expectation was simply that FIFA's fair play protocols would be followed, just as they were in England's opening win over Croatia.
That hands-off approach, however, left individual players to navigate a deeply sensitive situation on their own. Spence's apparent refusal has now thrust the FA into the spotlight, with critics questioning whether it should have provided clearer leadership.
Partey's Legal Cloud and World Cup Journey
Partey, 33, is currently playing for Spanish side Villarreal after leaving Arsenal in 2025. He denies seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. A trial is scheduled for 2027.
His presence at the World Cup has been contentious from the start. He missed Ghana's opening match against Canada in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him entry. The United States, however, granted him a visa, clearing the way for him to play against England. That decision itself drew criticism from advocacy groups, further polarising opinion.
When Handshakes Become Headlines
This is not the first time the simple act of a handshake has caused a stir in football. Who can forget the 2012 clash between Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra, when the Uruguayan pointedly ignored the Manchester United defender after being found guilty of racially abusing him? That incident led to widespread condemnation and a subsequent change in pre-match handshake policies.
FIFA's Fair Play code explicitly encourages handshakes as a gesture of respect, but it does not mandate individual participation. Spence's decision, while potentially uncomfortable for officials, falls into a grey area of personal conscience. It raises the age-old question: can a player refuse to shake hands on moral grounds, and what does that say about the presumption of innocence?
Spence Shines Despite Controversy
On the pitch, Spence did not let the pre-match incident affect his performance. The Spurs right-back, who has been a revelation under manager Thomas Tuchel, put in a disciplined defensive shift and provided width down the flank as England looked to secure qualification to the knockout stages.
With Spence expected to remain a starter, and Partey likely to feature again in Ghana's final group game, the issue is unlikely to fade quickly.
Divided Reactions on Social Media
The footage of the non-handshake ignited passionate debate online. Hashtags such as #SpencePartey and #EnglandGhana trended within minutes. Supporters of Spence praised him for taking a stand, linking his actions to the broader #MeToo movement in sport. Conversely, others argued that refusing a handshake was unsportsmanlike and undermined the legal principle of innocent until proven guilty.
Neither the FA, the Ghana Football Association, nor the players involved have issued official statements. With the World Cup continuing, all eyes will be on future on-field interactions involving Partey.
Key Takeaways
- Djed Spence appeared to avoid shaking hands with Thomas Partey during pre-match formalities, unlike his England teammates.
- The FA deliberately refrained from advising players on how to handle the situation to avoid any impression of pre-judging Partey's legal case.
- Partey is due to stand trial next year on multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, all of which he denies.
- The US granted Partey a visa for the World Cup after Canada had denied him entry, allowing him to play against England.
- Public reaction has been sharply divided, reflecting the broader tension between on-field protocol and off-field allegations.
Quick Facts
Match: England vs Ghana - 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA
Incident: Djed Spence appeared to snub Thomas Partey's handshake
Partey's Club: Villarreal (former Arsenal)
Spence's Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Legal Status: Partey denies 7 rape charges, 1 sexual assault count; trial set for 2027
