RIO Ferdinand has come face-to-face in court with a "racist" fan who allegedly hurled abuse at the TV pundit during a football game.
Jamie Arnold, 31, allegedly used racist words and gestures towards the former footballer during a match between Wolves and Manchester United on May 23.
7
Rio Ferdinand leaving Wolverhampton Crown Court this morning Credit: SWNS 7
Jamie Arnold, 31, allegedly used racist words and gestures towards the former footballer Credit: PA 7
The former footballer came face-to-face with the alleged racist Credit: SWNS
The 31-year-old has also been charged with making homophobic comments towards the referee.
Rio was escorted by PC Stuart Ward - who is UK's first dedicated hate crime officer within football unit - as he arrived at Wolverhampton Crown Court this morning.
Football fan Arnold will stand trial next year after denying he racially abused former England defender.
Arnold, of Norton Bridge, near Stone, Staffordshire, was granted conditional bail after a 25-minute hearing on Thursday, until a trial on August 8 next year.
The 31-year-old, dressed in a blue suit and black T-shirt, spoke only to confirm his not guilty plea, his date of birth, and address.
Former Manchester United star Ferdinand, who is expected to be a witness at the trial, attended the hearing on Thursday - but was not in the courtroom during the proceedings.
Rio then left the building with what appeared to be a documentary film crew and security guards.
Granting bail on condition that Arnold does not attend Wolves' home games, Judge Simon Ward told the defendant: "Mr Arnold, stand up please.
"I have set the date for your trial on the 8th of August next year.
"I am sorry it's so far in the future but I have explained why that has to be."
At a previous hearing in July, the 31-year-old pleaded not guilty to causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
The alleged abuse occurred at Wolves' home ground Molineux - at the first game where a reduced number of supporters were allowed in the ground following the easing of Covid restrictions.
Most read in The Sun
Exclusive
ARK BLOCKED Taliban BLOCKS Pen Farthing and dogs from airport leaving them to die in hours
VILLA SHOCK Family of Brit millionaire’s wife in 'state of shock' after mystery villa death
AISLE BE DAMNED Co-op boss warns shortages at 'worst level ever seen' in empty-shelf crisis
STORE PANIC 3 supermarkets in lockdown after shopper 'injects food with mystery substance'
HOME ALONE England's most isolated home on the market - can you guess how much it's worth?
BRIGHT FANS EastEnders fans go wild seeing pregnant Kellie Bright's hunky husband on soap
It was also head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game for Wolves.
A probe was launched by PC Stuart Ward, who was appointed the UK's first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit.
Former Man Utd star Rio was covering the game for BT Sport at Molineux.
At the time, he said: “The last couple weeks, it’s been unreal to see fans back.
"However, to the Wolves fan who has just been thrown out for doing a monkey chant at me, you need to be dismissed from football and educated.
"Come meet me and I will help you understand what it feels like to be racially abused!”
The alleged abuse comes after Three Lions heroes were subjected to a barrage of racist abuse after the Euro 2020 final.
Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted online after England were beaten on penalties in an agonising final.
Ex-England star Rio blasted the "cowardly" rats behind the tweets and said more needed to be done.
Rio Ferdinand arrived at court this morning to face the alleged racist fan
Jamie Arnold has been charged for making racist comments towards the former footballer
Rio Ferdinand was allegedly abused as he presented for BT Sport from Molineux 7
Kate Ferdinand posted her workout this morning as her husband made his way to court Credit: Instagram