A football supporter accused of racially abusing ex-England star Rio Ferdinand during a match will go on trial next year.

Jamie Arnold, 31, denies causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress by using “threatening, abusive or insulting” words or behaviour at a Wolves v Manchester United game on 23 May.

Arnold, of Norton Bridge, near Stone, Staffordshire was granted bail at a 25-minute hearing on Thursday – until a trial on 8 August 2022.

The defendant, dressed in a blue suit and black T-shirt, spoke only to confirm his not guilty plea, his date of birth, and address.

He was ordered by Judge Simon Ward not to attend any Wolves’ home games while on bail.

Ferdinand was at Wolverhampton Crown Court but was not in the courtroom when Arnold appeared.

The former Manchester United star is expected to be a witness at the trial however.

The alleged offence relates to an early summer match at the Molineux ground – the first held there with fans following the easing of COVID rules.

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