Dear Djed,
I watched the World Cup match between Ghana and England with great interest, not only because of the football on display but also because of a moment before the game that attracted considerable attention.
Reports and video footage appeared to show you declining to shake the hand of Ghanaian player Thomas Partey during the pre-match introductions. Whether this was a deliberate gesture or not, many interpreted it as a statement regarding the legal charges that Thomas currently faces in England.
As someone who believes deeply in justice, I would like to respectfully offer a different perspective.
The foundation of every credible justice system is the principle that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Thomas Partey has been charged, but he has also publicly denied the allegations against him and is entitled to defend himself before the courts.
That process is still unfolding, and it is the responsibility of judges and juries—not footballers, fans, commentators, or social media—to determine guilt or innocence.
You are a talented young footballer with a promising career ahead of you. With that promise comes influence. Millions of young people watch elite athletes not only for their performances on the pitch but also for the values they demonstrate. In moments such as these, restraint can be just as powerful as conviction.
Life has a way of teaching all of us humility. As we grow older, we learn that situations are often more complicated than they first appear. We learn that justice requires patience, that truth sometimes takes time to emerge, and that people deserve fairness even when public opinion is running in the opposite direction.
If your gesture was intended to make a moral statement, it may not have achieved the effect you hoped for. For many observers, it generated sympathy for Thomas Partey rather than support for your position. Some saw it not as an act of principle but as a premature judgment of a man whose case has not yet been decided by the courts.
This is not to suggest that concerns about allegations of sexual violence should be dismissed. They should never be dismissed. Such matters are serious and deserve careful attention. Equally, however, the rights of the accused must be respected if justice is to have any meaning.
Football has always had the power to bring people together across cultures, races, religions, and political beliefs. The pre-match handshake symbolizes that spirit. It does not require agreement. It does not require friendship. It simply acknowledges our common humanity and our mutual respect as competitors.
As your career progresses, you will undoubtedly face many situations where public pressure demands an immediate judgment. My hope is that you will remember that wisdom often lies not in rushing to conclusions but in allowing facts, evidence, and due process to take their course.
Let the courts do their work. Let justice move at its own pace. And let football remain a stage where competition is fierce but respect endures.
I wish you well in your career and in the many lessons that life will continue to teach us all.
Yours sincerely,
Samuel Attah-Mensah
A Ghanaian and an Arsenal Supporter Who Believes in Justice and Fairness
