Diouf was signed by Liverpool for £10m

Bolton's El-Hadji Diouf is accused of disorderly conduct following the incident at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium in November 2004.

The 24-year-old was summonsed after a Middlesbrough fan alleged he was spat at during the 1-1 draw.

Teesside magistrates adjourned the case until June 21.

The Senegalese international did not appear in person at court to answer the summons under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.

Written request

Instead his solicitor, who was also not present, sent a letter to the court indicating Diouf would deny the charge.

Prosecutor Carol McMullan told magistrates during the brief hearing: "We have received a copy of a letter from the defence solicitors who are representing Mr El Hadji Diouf indicating it will be a not guilty plea to the Section 5 Public Order allegation."

The case was adjourned for a pre-trial review following a written request from the defendant's solicitors.

The 30-cap striker, twice named African Player of the Year, is currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Liverpool.