The case against a Premiership footballer who is alleged to have spat at an 11-year-old Middlesbrough fan has been adjourned.

Bolton striker El Hadji Diouf did not appear at Teesside Magistrates Court yesterday but his solicitors sent a letter on his behalf indicating that he intends to plead not guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct.

The court hearing for the 23-year-old Senagalese, whose address was not disclosed, lasted just ten minutes and was watched by a packed press gallery.

The letter, from Mr Diouf's solicitors, Russell and Russell, in Bolton, said there were a number of witnesses they were seeking to trace and speak to.

Chair of the magistrates bench Ken Bibby said he would expect the footballer to attend for a pre-trial review of the case on June 21.

Mr Diouf, who is on-loan at Bolton from Liverpool, but is expected to secure a permanent deal, is alleged to have spat a mouthful of drink into the crowd at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium during a match between the two teams on November 7 last year.