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THOMAS PARTEY was mercilessly booed by Tottenham fans while back in London to play against them in the Champions League.

The midfielder, 32, was warming up on the sidelines for Villarreal, whom he joined in the summer following the expiry of his contract at Arsenal, when the home support was heard laying into him.

Spurs fans were heard chanting, "you know what you are", towards Partey.

He was then greeted by a chorus of loud boos as he entered the pitch in the 78th minute, with the taunting carrying on for the rest of the game.

The Ghana international is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court tomorrow after being charged with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

Partey was charged last month, but denies the charges, which allegedly took place between 2021 and 2022 when he played for the Gunners.

He was granted conditional bail and then signed for La Liga outfit Villarreal two days later.

Before the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - his first in the UK since the charges came to light - manager Marcelino García Toral said he was sure Partey was "ready" for the game and possibility of facing a hostile atmosphere.

He said: "I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow.

"For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human.

"He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level."

Asked whether he had spoken to Partey about the game, he continued: "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent.

"We're playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football.

"This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you."

Partey has played four times in La Liga for Villarreal so far this season, starting just once.

Following the announcement of his move to the Spanish club, Villarreal released a statement acknowledging that proceedings against Partey were ongoing.

It read: "Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian to join the Yellow ahead of the 2025/26 season.

"The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the training ground.

"Thomas Teye Partey (Krobo Odumase, 13/06/93) is a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes.

"He is an excellent ball winner and has the ability to start moves from deep.

"The African footballer also boasts a good shot from mid-range and has the ability to break lines while driving forward.

"The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team.

"He has also represented Arsenal FC, Atletico de Madrid, UD Almeria and RCD Mallorca.

"With the English side, he won the FA Community Shield (2023/24), while with the Madrid outfit he lifted the LaLiga title (2020/21), the Uefa Super Cup (2018/19) and the Uefa Europa League (2017/18).

"On the other hand, the club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England.

"The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.

"The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case.

"Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further."

The statement added: "Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and strongly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals."

FOOTBALL fans were impressed by a brand-new way of watching the Champions League during the tournament's opening night.

Broadcaster Prime Video gave fans a new perspective of the game thanks to its data-filled Prime Vision tool for Tottenham vs Villarreal.

The new FIFA-style graphics gave fans real-time statistics during the match.

Those stats included a pitch-map, AI generated functions that identified which player was on the ball and their most likely passing options and labels that showed the speed of sprints, measured long passes and showed the speed of shots.

The new tech, which was built on a similar version developed by Prime for their “Thursday Night Football” coverage of the NFL, was a hit with fans watching on from home.

On social media, one fan wrote: "Just watching the new prime vision, it’s good insight for something different when watching. Keep it up, I'm impressed."

Another added: "That Prime Vision coverage of the football is actually really clever. Just needs a player to glitch out and you'd think you were playing FIFA."

A third posted: "Big fan of this Prime Vision."

And fourth gushed: "Absolutely loving Prime Vision so far."

Others felt the new introduction was a great start but needed to work out a few kinks before they would commit to watching the format for every game.

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One fan at home wrote: "Prime Vision has got potential, they just need to dial it down a bit.

"I don’t need to know Richarlison jumped 7.7 yards off the floor to do a defensive header."

And a second commented: "Not sure I can get behind this yet".

For those that aren't sold on the tech, which uses 22 different cameras to get the data for fans, Prime is still offering their usual coverage exactly as it was before.

Andrew Hornett, Prime’s director of live production, explained: “We wanted to give the viewers something that innovates with a purpose, rather than just looks pretty.

“This is an alternative that doesn’t disrupt the main viewing experience but offers a new perspective.

“It’s something unique for European football and is designed for the fans who are really interested in tactics without being super-nerdy.”

Hornett added: "We know that this will not be for everyone but we want to deliver something that really enhances what fans can see.”

Injury news

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard has not travelled after picking up a shoulder injury in the win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

On Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury, he said: "I think there are still quite a lot of things to go through.

"It’s very early to understand when and which week he’s going to be available.

"But he will certainly be pushing to be available as quickly as possible."

Ben White, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out.

For Athletic Bilbao, they are without their star man Nico Williams.

Get to know Athletic Bilbao

Arsenal's campaign begins with a trip to the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao tonight.

The 53,000-seater hosted the Europa League final last season as Spurs beat Man Utd 1-0.

It is set to be a raucous atmosphere in the Basque Country as the club have been absent from the Champions League for the last 11 years.

Ernesto Valverde is into his third spell as manager and this is his most successful yet.

He guided the club to Copa del Rey success in the 2023-24 season and a fourth place finish in LaLiga last term.

Athletic Bilbao are one of the most unique clubs in the world due to their "cantera" policy of only having players born within the Basque region of Spain and France.

Champions League LIVE

Welcome to SunSport's LIVE coverage of the Champions League.

Europe's biggest club competition is back tonight and the action starts at 17:45 BST as Arsenal travel to Athletic Bilbao.

The Gunners made the semi-final last year and, according to Mikel Arteta, were "much better" than eventual winners PSG in their 3-1 defeat to them on aggregate.

After the Arsenal match, it is a Champions League return for Tottenham as they welcome Villarreal to North London.

Thomas Frank has made a positive start to life at Spurs and can make it four wins from his last five games in charge.

There are six games this evening in total and you won't miss any of the action by sticking with us.

SEVERAL Champions League matches can be watched for FREE this season - including Tottenham's opening encounter against Spanish giants Villarreal.

Spurs overcame Premier League rivals Manchester United in what was labelled as 'the worst final ever' to win last year's Europa League crown.

And as a result, Tottenham secured an automatic qualification spot back to European football's top-tier competition.

However, the North London outfit have been handed a tricky Villarreal test for their first league phase match - a side who have a lot of European pedigree.

Furthermore, The Yellow Submarine have former Gooners Nicolas Pepe and Thomas Partey part of their squad who will be desparate to make an impact on their return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But both failed to make an impact in Villarreal's recent defeat to Atletico Madrid, while Spurs wiped the floor with ten-man West Ham in their last outing.

This has all the ingredients to be a sensational encounter on matchday one, and SunSport can reveal how fans can watch it without paying a single penny.

How can I watch Tottenham vs Villarreal for free?

Tottenham vs Villarreal will be broadcast for FREE live on Amazon Prime Video.

Non-members can sign up for a 30-day free trial giving you all the benefits of Prime including this opening encounter.

Once again for this season, Amazon Prime has acquired part of the rights to show the Champions League and their top pick this week is Tottenham vs Villarreal.

Prime members can watch the action from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at NO additional cost to their regular subscription.

The UEFA Champions League is included with your Prime Membership which costs £8.99 per month and £95 per year. You can find all upcoming matches in the ‘Sports’ section of Prime Video.

When is Tottenham vs Villarreal?

Tottenham vs Villarreal will take place on Tuesday, September 16.

It is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm BST.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the allocated arena for this mouthwatering Champions League clash.

This will be the first time this two face off in the Champions League.

What other Champions League fixtures will be on Prime?

Here are the full set of fixtures that will be available to watch through Amaon Prime Video in the Champions League, league phase.

ALAN SUGAR has threatened to sue Jamie Redknapp over comments he made on Sky Sports about his ownership of Tottenham.

Redknapp, 52, was speaking on Sky Sports about the surprise exit of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy last week.

The former Spurs star praised Levy, 63, for making the club a financial juggernaut with a promising future after 24 years in the role.

In doing so, Redknapp compared the condition of the club with Levy's exit to how it was left by Lord Sugar following his tenure as chairman and part-owner between 1991 and 2001.

He labelled what Levy inherited in 2001 as a "total mess".

And Sugar, 78, did not react kindly to the remarks.

Taking to social media, he made threats of legal action against "double barrel idiot" Redknapp and broadcaster Sky.

He said: "Jamie Redknapp is a double barrel idiot.

"He talks a load of rubbish.

"He said when Daniel Levy took over Spurs Alan Sugar left the club in a right mess.

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"He and SKY will be hearing from my lawyers Monday."

SunSport have approached Sky Sports for comment.

Despite the disagreement, both would have been happy to see Spurs walk away with all three points in a 3-0 win over West Ham at the London Stadium.

Pape Matar Sarr kicked off a mad 17 minute spell when he headed into the net at a corner unmarked.

Minutes later Tomas Soucek was sent off following a late lunge on Joao Palhinha which ripped the Spurs star's sock above the shin guard.

TOTTENHAM made the perfect start to their ‘new era’ without Daniel Levy.

But for poor old West Ham and Graham Potter, it was same old, same old.

The Irons boss saw his side spanked by a bitter London rival for the second successive home match, following on from August’s 5-1 demolition at the hands of Chelsea.

Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven did the damage in a blistering 19-minute period at the start of the second half to lift Spurs to joint-top.

It heaped the pressure right back on Potter, who also saw Tomas Soucek awarded a straight red card for a foul that ripped Joao Palhinha’s sock.

The ex-Chelsea chief had had some respite with the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest before the international break, but his team seemed to revert to type here.

It was ideal for Spurs, watched on by two members of the Lewis family who had dramatically forced out long-serving chairman Levy nine days ago.

Viv Lewis, daughter of former owner Joe Lewis, and her son-in-law Nick Beucher sat in the directors’ box alongside Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and technical director Johan Lange.

A source close to the family claimed Levy had paid the price for poor results and had hailed the dawning of a ‘new era’ where more wins would be delivered.

So far, that new era reads one game played, one emphatic win achieved, so those in charge could be forgiven if they left the London Stadium grinning from ear to ear last night.

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While the eventual scoreline was very one-sided, both sides seemed to cancel each other out in a boring first half.

The opening 45 was essentially a wait to see if Spurs would score from a corner.

They did not - but they probably should have.

Mohammed Kudus - receiving dogs’ abuse from the fans who once adored him - took plenty of them from the right-hand side of the pitch.

Spurs' £55million summer capture from West Ham fired in one particular delivery in the 19th minute towards the near post, where Cristian Romero headed into the corner.

It looked to be a fair opener but referee Jarred Gillett ruled it out for a shove from Van de Ven on Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up, and was backed up by VAR.

Yet replays seemed to show Van de Ven himself had been pushed into former Spurs academy player Walker-Peters by Mateus Fernandes, angering Thomas Frank on the touchline.

Spurs’ injured midfielder James Maddison was presumably throwing things at his TV as he tweeted: “Honestly the referees & VAR have had an absolute shocker of a start to the season.

"If that goal is disallowed for a foul you will never ever see a corner be taken without referee blowing for something ever again.”

Just prior to that chance, West Ham had conjured up the most exciting moment of a boring half with a fluid move from out wide.

Captain Jarrod Bowen found Fernandes, who shipped it onto Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazilian could have moved it to the wide-open Crysencio Summerville but instead attempted a sneaky effort to the near post - but fired it wide.

Any fans who were nodding off at the interval half-time were jolted awake by a flurry of electrifying action at the start of the second half.

First, Spurs finally did score from a corner - the simplest set-piece you will ever see - as new-boy Xavi Simons fired a delivery to the back post where an unmarked Sarr headed home.

That came just two minutes into the restart- and seven minutes later, the game was over thanks to two hammer blows for Potter’s side.

Their task was initially made far more difficult when Soucek was given his marching orders for catching Joao Palhinha high on his shin with enough force that he ripped the Portuguese’s sock.

Gillett did not even have to think twice as he instantly issued a red card to Soucek on the Czech’s 250th West Ham appearance.

From the resulting free-kick, the ball was played to Spurs captain Cristian Romero who lofted a long ball over the defence which Bergvall brilliantly headed into the corner.

Bergvall then turned provider on the 64th minute as he drove into the box and offloaded to Van de Ven who powered in with his weaker right foot.

That sparked a mass exodus from the home fans, to the mocking taunt of "Is there a fire drill" and "We want four" from the gleeful counterparts.

West Ham supremos David Sullivan and Karren Brady looked glum up in the stands, wondering if Potter would be in for more capital punishment when Crystal Palace and Brentford come across town for their next two home fixtures.

SKY SPORTS cameras captured the shocking aftermath of Tomas Soucek's red card challenge against Tottenham.

The West Ham star was sent for an early shower by referee Jarred Gillett after a late lunge on Joao Palhinha.

The midfielder's stud made contact high on the shin of Palhinha with the star left rolling around in pain.

And Gillett immediately reached for his pocket to brandish a red card to the 30-year-old.

On the decision, the Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision had been checked by VAR.

A statement said: "The referee’s call of red card to Soucek for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be high on the shin which endangered the safety of the opponent."

Sky Sports cameras then panned back to Portuguese footballer Palhinha as he sat up on the floor.

The 30-year-old was seen with a huge tear in his sock which exposed his shin guard.

This image highlights how close he came to potentially sustaining a gruesome injury.

The reckless challenge occurred in the 54th minute, moments after Thomas Frank's Spurs had taken the lead through a Pape Matar Sarr header at a corner, delivered by debutant Xavi Simons.

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Soucek's sending off then saw the West Ham defence collapse, with Lucas Bergvall then running through to score a looping header following a delightful pass from Cristian Romero three minutes later.

Micky van de Ven then popped up to make it 3-0 in the 64th minute and kill the game as a contest.

It sent Spurs level on points with table-toppers Arsenal.

TOTTENHAM were left raging after having a goal ruled out during their clash with West Ham.

The decision even left fans of bitter rivals Arsenal perplexed.

Cristian Romero headed into the net from a corner in the 19th minute and appeared to have put the visitors to the London Stadium 1-0 up.

However referee Jarred Gillett blew his whistle to rule the goal out for a push.

Romero instantly sprinted to the official and screamed in his face as he and many Spurs players protested.

Replays showed that there was some shoving in the box as the ball was swung into the area with Romero's team-mate Micky van de Ven among the culprits as he moved Kyle Walker-Peters out the way.

However multiple West Ham players also appeared to be pushing too.

Despite this, VAR failed to intervene meaning the referee's decision stood.

An Arsenal fan on Twitter said: "I'm an arsenal fan and can see spurs were robbed."

Another Gooner said: "Awful decision."

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Fellow football fans were also shocked, with one saying: "Oof, harsh call! That completely takes the wind out of Spurs’ sails."

Another added: "Is there a competition between referees on who can make the most ridiculous decision each week."

However this fan was pleased that VAR didn't get involved: "It’s soft, but there is a push so it’s not a clear and obvious error. I do think the goal should’ve stood but it’s nice that VAR isn’t just overriding referees this season."

Pundits were in agreement that it was the wrong decision from the referee.

Jamie Redknapp, speaking on Sky Sports, said: "I don't see it.

"I just don't think it's enough."

Gianfranco Zola agreed, saying: "It's not enough in my opinion".

It adds to a collection of controversial decisions made by officials this season.

Martin Lipton on Brentford 0-0 Chelsea

Chelsea fans going back to the old songsheet, reminding any miserable West Ham fans who’ve tuned in - suspect more will be nursing a pint in a quiet room - that Frank Lampard had a decent scoring record against them.

But that’s a sign that it’s gone a little flat. Good news for Brentford, who managed to avoid conceding in that initial phase.

They don’t seem to have any real way of hurting Maresca’s men, though. Not so far anyway. Feels like we’re all waiting for Chelsea to go through the gears.

Brentford 0-0 Chelsea

The young Dutchman miscontrols the ball, and then in his desperation to retrieve it, lunges in on his opponent.

What saves Hato here is the fact that his leg isn't straight, his studs aren't showing and he catches Thiago a lot lower down the leg than when Soucek connected with Palinha.

Nevertheless, a deserved yellow card.

Martin Lipton reporting from the Gtech

Impressed with Buonanotte so far. He’s looking to drop into spaces, turn and slide the ball through. Neat and tidy, opening up his body well.

Certainly there is a composure about Maresca’s side, even if this is a line-up you wouldn’t expect to see starting too many times over the rest of the campaign.

Brentford don’t really know how to stem the advance, with the home side being pushed deeper and deeper in the opening phase.

Home fans have already decided Stuart Attwell is dressed in blue as well. Adds to the crackle, I guess. West London derby and all that.

Brentford 0-0 Chelsea

A stunned Kayode is the one penalised for a challenge on Gittens, but now the hosts must regain their composure to defend the set-piece.

Brentford 0-0 Chelsea

First he finds space in behind, and it's only a good recovery challenge from Chalobah that diverts the ball behind.

From the subsequent corner, the Bees work it short, and when the visitors' offside trap is picked apart, Schade gets his head on the end of a right wing cross - but there's not enough power or accuracy to beat Sanchez.

Brentford 0-0 Chelsea

Michael Kayode gets caught in possession trying to bring the ball out from the back, and immediately the Blues pounce.

Working it back towards the Brazilian in the area, Joao Pedro looks primed to score until Sepp van den Berg's excellent blocks.

Here come the teams!

From East London to West.

Tottenham came out on top in the teatime London derby, now it's the turn of Brentford and Chelsea to go head-to-head.

Enzo Maresca has rung the changes, and hands a debut to Facundo Buonanotte in the number ten role.

Keith Andrews has switched to five at the back for the visit of the Blues, and knows tonight will be a good barometer of how Brentford have regrouped following the loss of so many key players.

Kick-off comes next.

Martin Lipton reporting from the Gtech

More about who isn’t playing than who is for Chelsea at the Gtech.

No Cole Palmer, Reece James, Estevao Willian or new recruit Alejandro Garnacho - while we won’t see Liam Delap until long after the clocks have gone back.

Willian isn’t even on the bench - he’s apparently picked up a bug between the altitude of La Paz and London.

It means first Blues starts for Hato and Buononotte - a club debut for the on-loan Argentine - and a first start since MARCH for injury-plagued Wesley Fofana among four changes from the side that found a way to beat Fulham before the break.

Bees boss Keith Andrews is able to include Ethan Pinnock for the first time this season but Chelsea will be looking for the win to go top of the table - at least until tomorrow afternoon.

Match stats from the London Stadium

West Ham’s three defeats in the Premier League this season have all been by a 3+ goal margin - 3-0 at Sunderland, 5-1 at home to Chelsea, 3-0 against Spurs.

Matchday Four is the joint earliest a side has lost three games by a 3+ goal margin in a season in the competition along with Bournemouth in 2022-23.

Full time - West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

The West Ham players - and fans - are finally put out of their misery.

Spurs have eased to a 3-0 win here, and really didn't have to do too much other than pepper the home side with corners. Hey, if it works for their North London neighbours...