BBC Broadcast Avoids Handshake Moment as Djed Spence Snubs Thomas Partey Before England vs. Ghana World Cup Match

A handshake controversy unfolded before the World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, with footage revealing that Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence appeared to snub Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey during the pre-match formalities. Spence was the only England player not to shake hands with Partey, according to clips circulating on social media, while captain Harry Kane and the rest of the starting lineup followed FIFA protocols by shaking hands with their opponents.

The BBC broadcast cut away from the handshake moment just before Partey appeared on screen, prompting speculation that the decision was intentionally made to avoid showing a potentially controversial interaction. However, reports suggest that the match coverage was dictated by a centralized 'world feed' from Host Broadcast Services (HBS), which has around 45 cameras in the stadium. The match director, sitting in the stands, determines what to include in the feed, and it is believed they decided not to show Partey during that moment. The BBC retains control only over pre-match build-up, halftime analysis, and commentary, not the live feed itself.

The English Football Association (FA) gave no specific guidance to players regarding the handshake with Partey in order to avoid any perception of pre-judging the criminal case against him. Partey, who now plays for Villarreal in Spain, missed Ghana's opening game of the tournament against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry to Canada due to issues with his visa application. He was, however, granted a visa to enter the United States and was cleared to play against England.

Partey faces seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to stand trial in 2027. Despite the legal proceedings, US Customs and Border Protection said Partey had not been convicted and was admitted to the US after being issued a visa.

During the match, Partey, who previously played for Arsenal, was booed by England fans when his name was announced and whenever he touched the ball. Ghana's squad is missing several regular players who were not allowed to travel to the US, and three other Ghanaian players are also in similar situations to Partey. The controversy surrounding his inclusion has added tension to what was already a high-stakes Group L encounter, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in the tournament.