Gazza to stand trial on public order offence

Dudley, England: Former England player Paul Gascoigne will stand trial after pleading not guilty to a racially-aggravated public order offence.

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 behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress” and that the offence was racially aggravated.