England defender Djed Spence has sparked conversation online after footage appeared to show him refusing to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of their World Cup meeting in Boston.

The moment took place before kick-off, with the two teams completing their pre-match handshakes. However, clips circulating on social media appear to show Spence moving past Partey without making contact.

The incident comes after Partey was met with boos from sections of England supporters during his first appearance at this year’s World Cup.

The Ghana midfielder, 33, missed his country’s opening match against Panama after being denied entry into Canada. Partey had travelled to Ghana’s training base in Boston after his visa application was refused.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has denied the allegations and is due to stand trial next year.

Following the footage, some online users praised Spence, interpreting the apparent refusal to shake hands as a show of personal values and integrity, with many debating whether players facing serious allegations should be able to compete on football’s biggest stage.

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