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Jamie Arnold, 31, is accused of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the TV pundit by using “threatening, abusive or insulting” words or behaviour. The alleged offence is said to have taken place during a Premier League game last season between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United.

Arnold, of Norton Bridge, Staffs, was granted conditional bail that he does not attend any Wolves home games following the 25-minute hearing yesterday. His trial was set for August 8 next year.

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

Ferdinand, 42, who played for Manchester United, Leeds and West Ham, is expected to be a witness at the trial.

He attended Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday but was not in the courtroom during the proceedings.

The alleged abuse happened on May 23 when Ferdinand was covering the match as a pundit for BT Sport.

Arnold was arrested during the game at the Molineux Stadium which was the first time fans had returned to the ground since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

An investigation was led by West Midlands police officer Stuart Ward, who was appointed the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit.

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