Thomas Partey<\/a> attempted to enter Canada to play against Panama. Instead, his visitor visa was denied on the grounds of serious criminality: rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\nThe central defensive midfielder will be unable to partake in the match in Canada, and will need to stay on U.S. soil.<\/p>\n
Despite pleading not guilty, Partey\u2019s trial is scheduled for next year, meaning that until the alleged charges are confirmed or denied by the courts, Partey is denied entry to the country.<\/p>\n
His Canadian immigration lawyer, Mackeda Bramwell, is filing for reconsideration, asking for \u201cdue process and fairness.\u201d<\/p>\n
While awaiting results, Now Toronto took to the streets to get Toronto residents\u2019 thoughts on Canada\u2019s decision and whether they believe it might affect who will win the match.<\/p>\n
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The conversation comes after Now Toronto and The Brandon Gonez Show exclusively interviewed Canadian immigration lawyer Mackeda Bramwell, who is representing Partey and has launched multiple efforts to challenge the refusal, including a reconsideration request, a Temporary Resident Permit application and judicial review proceedings.<\/p>\n
From \u2018no one is exempt from that\u2019 to \u2018let the system play out\u2019: Where do Torontonians stand on the issue?<\/p>\n
Toronto resident Justin M. agrees with Canada\u2019s decision to deny Partey entry to the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he\u2019s a criminal, then he probably shouldn\u2019t be playing. I think that\u2019s pretty fair. Obviously, it depends on how the trial goes, but I would say that\u2019s pretty fair,\u201d he told Now Toronto.<\/p>\n
He added that Panama might have a better chance of winning now that they\u2019re losing a player, but that Partey still shouldn\u2019t be granted a visa due to his stature in sports.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of your status, if you are being charged with something like that, I think nobody\u2019s really exempt from that. It sounds pretty serious, quite a serious case. And just because he\u2019s like a star athlete, I don\u2019t think he should get special treatment,\u201d Justin said.<\/p>\n
Partey is awaiting trial, which is set to take place in the United Kingdom next year.<\/p>\n
But Toronto resident Xavier G. believes the trial should be sped up to possibly allow Partey to play.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they should speed it up, just like a little bit, see what happens, you know,\u201d he told Now Toronto.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounds serious. So, it depends on how the whole world feels. But if the situation where he allegedly did it, then there should be no way he should be playing for his team,\u201d Xavier explained.<\/p>\n
Still, he supports Ghana, hoping they win 1-0.<\/p>\n
But Toronto resident Jacob M. believes Partey needs to \u201clet the system play out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, you want to believe everybody, you want to believe all survivors, but if he\u2019s pleading not guilty, you don\u2019t want that to be, if he\u2019s not actually guilty for it. So, I think you\u2019ve got to let the system play out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With that said, he doesn\u2019t believe the loss of the player in Toronto\u2019s upcoming match will lead to any different result, believing Panama will win anyway.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve honestly watched more Panama soccer games. I think they\u2019re in CONCACAF, so I know they\u2019ve got a solid team, and I think they\u2019re gonna get it done,\u201d Jacob said.<\/p>\n
He believes it will be a 1-0 win.<\/p>\n
Under Canada\u2019s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, foreign nationals may be found inadmissible if authorities determine that the alleged conduct abroad would constitute a serious offence under Canadian law.<\/p>\n
Whether they supported the decision or urged caution until the courts reach a verdict, most residents agreed on one thing: Partey\u2019s absence has become one of the biggest off-field storylines ahead of Ghana\u2019s World Cup clash in Toronto.<\/p>\n
The match kicks off Wednesday at Toronto Stadium, with Ghana looking to secure a crucial result despite missing one of its most recognizable players.<\/p>\n