The ritual pre-match handshake, usually a forgettable formality, became the focal point of England’s World Cup meeting with Ghana in Boston when Djed Spence appeared to withhold his hand from Thomas Partey.

As the two teams lined up, cameras initially tracked the players moving along the row of opponents. Broadcast coverage then cut away, but alternative footage circulating online appeared to show Spence keeping his right hand in the pocket of his tracksuit top as Partey approached. The Ghana midfielder extended his hand along the line; when he reached Spence, there was no visible response.

Partey seemed momentarily taken aback, glancing over his shoulder towards the England defender before continuing down the line. Within minutes, clips of the exchange were being replayed and dissected across social media platforms, where the incident quickly became a flashpoint.

The handshake had already been under unusual scrutiny. Partey is due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations he denies. His legal team has said he welcomes the chance to clear his name, but the case has inevitably followed him into the international arena.

Online reaction to Spence’s apparent snub was sharply divided. Some supporters condemned what they saw as a public judgment of a fellow professional who has not been convicted of any offence. Others argued that no player should be compelled to engage in a symbolic show of respect if they feel uncomfortable, particularly in cases involving serious allegations.

Neither Spence nor the England camp has commented, and Ghana’s delegation has also remained silent, leaving the moment open to interpretation and fuelling further speculation about intent.

Football has a history of handshake flashpoints when off-field controversies collide with on-pitch protocol. Anton Ferdinand’s refusal to shake John Terry’s hand amid a racism row, Luis Suarez’s snub of Patrice Evra after a suspension for racial abuse, and Wayne Bridge turning away from Terry following a personal dispute all turned a brief gesture into a global talking point.

Partey’s World Cup has already been complicated. He was barred from entering Canada for Ghana’s opening match against Panama in Toronto, with an appeal against the immigration decision later rejected by a judge.

Now, a few seconds on a touchline in Boston have added another layer to an already charged tournament narrative.