Djed Spence Under Fire After Snubbing Thomas Partey’s Handshake Before Ghana-England World Cup Clash
A tense moment before Tuesday’s World Cup group-stage match between Ghana and England has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with English defender Djed Spence at the centre of the storm.
Footage of the Tottenham right-back appearing to deliberately avoid shaking hands with Black Stars captain Thomas Partey during the pre-match formalities has gone viral, sparking outrage among Ghanaian fans.
Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, were flooded with reactions from supporters who accused Spence of showing blatant disrespect toward the Ghanaian skipper. Many Ghanaians saw the snub as a slight not just against Partey, but against the nation as a whole.
Context Behind the Snub
The incident, however, did not occur in isolation. In the days leading up to the fixture, the English Football Association had publicly confirmed it was weighing whether its players should take part in the traditional handshake with Partey, given that the midfielder is currently embroiled in a high-profile legal battle in the UK.
Partey faces multiple charges linked to alleged offences between April 2020 and June 2022, during his time with Arsenal. He was formally charged shortly after his contract with the Gunners expired in July 2025.
While the FA’s considerations were made public, Spence appears to have taken it upon himself to act on the matter, making him the most conspicuous figure in the controversy once the match got underway.
Partey’s Status and Ghanaian Sentiment
Despite the legal cloud hanging over the former Atlético Madrid star, who joined Arsenal in a £45 million move in 2020, Partey remains a towering figure in Ghanaian football. For many fans, his contributions on the pitch far outweigh the off-field allegations, and he continues to be seen as a symbol of national pride.
Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has stood by Partey, defending his inclusion in the World Cup squad and reiterating the player’s importance to the team.
Fan Backlash and Social Media Storm
The backlash against Spence was swift and unrelenting. Ghanaian supporters took to his social media pages, unleashing a wave of criticism. Comments ranged from blunt disapproval to sharp local expressions of anger.
One user, travelsagencyy, wrote: “Aboa ba” – a Twi phrase often used to express disdain. Another, ybn_gad._, remarked: “Partly literally clears your whole career lol,” while joekoffa simply stated: “This was unnecessary.”
A Moment That Lingers
Whether Spence’s decision was calculated or impulsive, the incident has ensured that his name will be remembered far beyond the final whistle of this World Cup encounter. For Ghanaian fans, the snub was deeply personal – a moment that transcended sport and touched on matters of respect and national identity.
In related news, a video has resurfaced of Ghanaian clergyman Telvin Sowah Adjei, founder of Prophetic Life Embassy, who had earlier urged the Ghana Football Association not to interfere with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, claiming spiritual insight that he would be the team’s best option for the tournament.
