Thomas Partey issues passionate apology to Arsenal fans

The Gunners star got a red card in his 16-minute cameo against Liverpool in the EFL Cup, just two days after Ghana’s AFCON exit.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has apologized for his red card in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Two days after Ghana’s group-stage exit in the Africa Cup of Nations, Partey made a quick return for Arsenal on Thursday. He only landed in London earlier in the afternoon. However, in what was the club’s biggest game of the season, he headed straight to the team hotel to make himself available.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta welcomed Partey’s timely arrival, naming him on the bench at the Emirates Stadium before bringing him on for Emile Smith Rowe in the 74th-minute of the match.

But a late challenge on Fabinho earned Partey a second yellow card, leaving Arsenal down to 10-men as Diogo Jota’s brace sealed Liverpool a 2-0 win and a spot in the EFL Cup final.

Thomas Partey's Thursday:

▪️ Wakes up in Cameroon
▪️ Arrives in London at midday
▪️ Subs on in 74th minute vs. Liverpool
▪️ Gets sent off

🙃 pic.twitter.com/fMLElHFDyR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 20, 2022

Partey takes responsibility

Taking to Instagram Stories, Partey posted a message where he took responsibility for his red card while explaining the thinking behind his unexpected cameo.

“Am responsible for anything that happened and will take all the critiques,” he wrote.

“I should get more intelligent not to get in a challenge already booked but this is my personality, I like to fight for every ball. I love this club and love my country. Even though things don’t happen how I wanted, I would continue to work harder and make things right.

“I came back with the mentality to make myself available for the team to get to the final but it did not happen as planned.

“I will continue to give my all when [I] am on the field of play because this is my life, and this is what I chose to do. Am not happy with all that happened yesterday at the AFCON but I understand only with hard work things will continue to work hard to change this. Thanks.”

Partey will be suspended for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Burnley on Sunday at the Emirates. His absence leaves Arteta short of midfielders for the match as Granit Xhaka is also suspended, Mohamed Elneny is at AFCON, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Roma on loan.