Newcastle United's Lee Bowyer has denied charges relating to an on-pitch incident with team-mate Kieron Dyer.
At a brief hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Monday, a plea of not guilty was entered to a charge of breaching the Public Order Act.
The 29-year-old's case will go forward to a pre-trial review, which will consider how many witnesses to call.
The charges relate to an incident during Newcastle's 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa at St James's Park last year.
Tony Glover, prosecuting, told magistrates: "We are here for a not-guilty plea to be entered in Mr Bowyer's absence.
"His absence has been agreed by the court."
Mr Glover said a 30-minute pre-trial review was needed, where a number of issues, including the number of witnesses required, could be discussed.
It will take place on 18 April at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Magistrates agreed the footballer would not be required to attend the pre-trial review.
(BBC)
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