TA: Arsenal knew about Thomas throughout the whole process, but it was still actively promoting contract renewal until April this year

July 5th Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on three victims between 2021 and 2022 after three years of police investigation. TheAthletic reported that Arsenal knew about Thomas throughout the whole process, but was still actively promoting contract renewal until April this year.

The club discussed contract renewal with him at the end of last season, but eventually his contract expired on June 30 and left the team as a free agent.

Thomas has been investigated for rape charges since February 2022 and was arrested for the first time in July of the same year. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) released specific charges on Friday afternoon and are now officially charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Thomas' attorney, Hickman and Jenny Wilt Hill of Ross Law Firm, issued a statement expressing his clients' willingness to prove their innocence.

statement stated: "Thomas denied all charges. During the three-year investigation, he always fully cooperated with the work of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. At this moment, he valued the opportunity to finally prove his innocence. Given that the legal process has started, it is inconvenient for my client to comment further."

Since his first arrest in July 2022, Thomas has been questioned by the London Police Department many times. He was able to continue to play for Arsenal because his bail period was extended regularly.

British law stipulates that suspects have the right to privacy before being formally prosecuted. Judiciary generally believes that the public has no right to know the specific reasons for an individual to be investigated or arrested. After the prosecution procedure is initiated, the restriction on name disclosure is lifted. Thomas's name was therefore published in public.

TA reported that Arsenal knew about Thomas's investigation in the police throughout the process. Other critics pointed out that Arsenal was still actively promoting Thomas' contract renewal negotiations until April this year.

club sources told TA that Arsenal always follows legal advice and implements protection measures.

The "Arsenal Fans Anti-Sexual Violence League" continues to organize protests. The organization argues that anyone should be suspended from qualifying election when facing allegations of serious sexual assault. The statement stated that he was "deeply sad and indignant" about the club's position on Thomas. The statement stressed: "We will continue to urge our beloved clubs to take responsibility."