Premiership footballer El-Hadji Diouf is to deny an allegation of disorderly conduct when he faces magistrates.
The Bolton striker, on loan from Liverpool, has been accused of the offence following an incident at Middlesbrough in November.
He is alleged to have spat a mouthful of drink into the crowd after being substituted towards the end of a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium.
Senegal international Diouf - twice voted African Footballer of the Year - will face magistrates on Teesside on a date which is yet to be set.
In a statement today, Bolton said: ''The club has no comment to make and will leave the matter to the courts, except to say that El-Hadji Diouf strenuously denies this allegation and the football club fully supports his denial.
''At this stage, he is innocent until proven guilty and the matter will be left to the courts. There will be no further comment.''
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article