Social media footage shows England defender Djed Spence skipping the traditional pre-match handshake with Ghana's Thomas Partey before their World Cup encounter in Boston. The awkward moment unfolded as Partey returned to action after missing his country's tournament opener. Fans at the stadium greeted him with boos when his name was announced over the PA system.

Partey's absence from Ghana's first match stemmed from being denied entry into Canada. He told immigration officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime, which proved problematic given his pending legal case. The midfielder faces seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault from allegations involving four women between 2020 and 2022, with his trial scheduled for next year.

Ghana had defeated Panama 1-0 in Toronto without Partey, making his return for the England match significant. Throughout the Group L fixture, every touch of the ball by the former Arsenal player drew jeers from sections of the crowd. The Football Association confirmed they did not discuss handshake protocols with players beforehand.

This incident reflects how off-field controversies now overshadow on-field performances at major tournaments, creating uncomfortable moments that players and governing bodies struggle to navigate cleanly.