Footage from the World Cup match between England and Ghana in Boston appears to show Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence refusing to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before kick-off on June 23, 2026.
Handshake incident caught on camera
As the two teams lined up for the traditional pre-match handshakes following the national anthems, BBC cameras momentarily cut away from the handshake line just as the Ghana squad began approaching the England players. By the time the cameras returned, Partey had already passed most of the line. However, social media footage from inside the stadium appeared to show Spence deliberately avoiding Partey's outstretched hand.
Partey's legal situation
Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, was charged by London's Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. In February 2026, he was charged with two additional counts of rape. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial. He missed Ghana's opening match against Panama after being denied a Canadian visa.
According to reports, the incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans supporting Spence's apparent decision. No official comment has been made by either player or their respective teams.
