Dundee FC's manager James McPake is to stand trial over allegations of homophobic abuse.
He denies a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour against two men, aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual
orientation, at a bar in Dundee, the city’s sheriff court heard.
His former teammate and current Forfar Athletic player Gary Irvine denies headbutting one of the men in the face during the same incident at The Braes on Perth Road on October 6.
McPake, 35, and Irvine, 34, had been playing for a Dundee XI in a testimonial match against Lochee United that day.
The pair appeared on an undertaking at Dundee Sheriff Court on Tuesday and spoke only to confirm their names. Solicitor David Duncan tendered not guilty pleas on their behalf.
Both had been charged by police last month in connection with the alleged incident, which took place at around 11.30pm.
Sheriff John Rafferty fixed a trial date for February 27 with an intermediate diet to be held on February 6. Both clubs declined to comment.
McPake joined Dundee from Hibernian in 2014 and went on to make 50 league appearances for the club.
Having retired from playing in January last year, he became the Dens Park club’s manager this summer.
