Former England player Paul Gascoigne to stand trial

Posted June 29, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

DUDLEY, England (AP) - Former England player Paul Gascoigne will stand trial after pleading not guilty to a racially-aggravated public order offense.

The former Tottenham and Lazio midfielder is alleged to have directed the abuse at a black security guard in November at his stage show, "An Evening with Gazza," in Wolverhampton, central England.

The 49-year-old Gascoigne appeared Wednesday at nearby Dudley Magistrates' Court, signing autographs for fans outside the court.

A single charge alleges Gascoigne "used threatening or abusive words or behavior or disorderly behavior within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress" and that the offense was racially aggravated.

Gascoigne was granted unconditional police bail ahead of a trial scheduled for September.

Once one of England's most talented players, Gascoigne has faced years of alcohol and mental health problems.

Former soocer star Paul Gascoigne arrives at the magistrates court in Dudley central England Wednesday June 29, 2016. Gasoigne faces a charge of racially abusing a security guard last November. (Rui Vieira/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT The Associated Press

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