"I Won't Shake Hands With a Sex Offender": Tottenham Player Who Openly Snubbed Him Sparks More Buzz Than England's Poor Performance... Tuchel Blocked From Answering

*This content was translated by AI.

Jed Spence (Tottenham) refused to shake hands with Thomas Partey (Villarreal), who faces sexual assault allegations. Thomas Tuchel, manager of the England national team, was prevented from answering questions.

British outlet 'The Mirror' reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "Spence refused to shake hands with Thomas Partey just before the Ghana match" and that "an England national team official blocked Tuchel's response on legal grounds."

Manager Tuchel oversaw England's 0-0 draw against Ghana in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the North, Central America and Caribbean region, held at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, USA, on this day. Having crushed Croatia 4-2 in the first match, England maintained its top position in Group L with one win and one draw (four points), matching Ghana's points but leading in goal difference.

Before the match, when Partey approached during the lineup, Spence did not extend his hand but instead put it in his pocket. Spence was the only England player to refuse to shake hands with Partey.

Partey faces trial next year on charges of seven rapes and one sexual assault committed between 2020 and 2022. He has denied all allegations and was absent from the first group stage match against Panama, held in Toronto, Canada, due to an entry ban stemming from his criminal record for sexual offenses.

At the post-match press conference, Manager Tuchel was asked about Spence's actions. Although Tuchel attempted to respond while reflecting on the disappointing result, England's communications officer Andy Walker intervened, blocking the statement on the grounds of "legal issues." Defender Dan Burn was also prevented from answering a question about whether the squad had initially intended to shake hands with Partey.

In contrast, Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz responded, "There was no handshake," and emphasized, "We reject bringing politics into football. The pitch must remain sacred, and politics should stay outside the stadium."

Meanwhile, England managed only a draw despite taking 18 shots, struggling against Ghana's compact defense. This extended England's streak of failing to win in the second group stage match of four consecutive major tournaments.

Captain Harry Kane expressed disappointment, stating, "It's frustrating that we couldn't win despite having more possession." He added, "Ghana set up a tight defensive block, making central play difficult, forcing us to rely on the flanks and one-on-one breakthroughs." He further noted, "It was a game we could have won 1-0 or 2-0, but their defense and counterattacks were sharp. We are satisfied with preventing goals and securing one point, and we will now prepare for the next match."

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*This content was translated by AI.