England vs Ghana: Why Did Djed Spence Refuse To Shake Hands With Thomas Partey Before Game?

Thomas Partey was met with loud boos from sections of the England support before and during Ghana’s World Cup 2026 clash in Boston, as controversy surrounding the midfielder continued to follow him onto the international stage. The reaction began when his name was read out before kick-off and persisted throughout the early stages whenever he touched the ball.

The hostile reception reflected the wider attention on Partey’s off-field situation, which has become a major talking point during Ghana’s campaign.

Return After Canada Absence

The Ghana international returned to the starting XI after missing his side’s previous fixture against Panama in Toronto. His absence from that match came after he was denied entry into Canada, reportedly due to ongoing legal issues stemming from charges brought against him in London.

According to available information, Partey had informed Canadian officials that he had not been arrested or charged with a crime. However, he was ultimately refused entry, ruling him out of the Panama encounter.

Why Was Thomas Partey Booed?

Partey, 33, is currently facing multiple serious charges, including seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations relate to incidents said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022 in London. He has denied all accusations and is expected to contest the charges in court, with a trial anticipated next summer.

The case has drawn significant scrutiny, and the reaction from England supporters highlighted how the situation has extended beyond domestic football into the international arena.

Djed Spence ‘Handshake’ Snub Sparks Online Debate

Another moment involving Partey drew attention before kick-off. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show England defender Djed Spence not offering a handshake to the Ghana midfielder following the national anthems.

While there has been no official explanation from either Spence or the England camp, the clip quickly gained traction online, adding further intrigue to the pre-match narrative.
Ahead of the fixture, Partey had spoken about facing familiar Premier League opponents, including former teammates, and expressed his desire for Ghana to compete strongly. He downplayed any personal motivations, emphasizing that the focus remained on collective performance.

He stressed that success would depend on all 11 players delivering at a high level, rather than individual storylines.

While the fixture itself carried importance in the group stage, much of the attention centered on events beyond the pitch. Partey’s return, the crowd’s reaction, and the pre-match incident ensured that the build-up and opening exchanges were shaped as much by controversy as by football.