Former footballer Joey Barton has denied assaulting a fellow manager at a league match.
The now-Fleetwood Town boss , from Huyton, will go on trial next year accused of attacking former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel.
Barton, 37, is alleged to have pushed the German boss at Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium on April 13 this year, leaving him with a damaged tooth.
The former England international pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today.
A provisional trial date was fixed for June 1, 2020.
Barton, of Fox Bank Close, in Widnes, Cheshire, stood in the glass-fronted dock, flanked by a security officer, for the 15-minute appearance.
He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth, that he is a UK national, and that he understood various matters outlined by the judge.
Wearing a dark blue jacket over an open-necked light blue shirt and sporting glasses, he also spoke to enter his not guilty plea to the single charge.
The former Manchester City, Newcastle United and Burnley midfielder was charged following an incident in the tunnel after the League One match between Barnsley and Fleetwood, which ended in a 4-2 victory for the home team.
Barton, who grew up on the St John's council estate in Huyton, was given unconditional bail by Judge Jeremy Richardson QC.
