Newcastle's Jonjo Shelvey pleads not guilty to using racist language

Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has pleaded not guilty to a charge from the Football Association of using abusive language towards an opponent that included reference to ethnicity, race, or nationality and requested a personal hearing.

The misconduct charge from the governing body relates to an incident which allegedly occurred during the Magpies’ 2-0 Sky Bet Championship loss to Wolves at St James’ Park on September 17.

A statement on the Newcastle club website read: “Newcastle United can confirm Jonjo Shelvey has today pleaded not guilty to an FA charge of misconduct in relation to an alleged incident during Newcastle United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 17 September.