Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tioté has appeared in court charged with using a false Belgian driving licence.
The 27-year-old is also facing charges of making a false statement to obtain car insurance and of fraud, for claiming he was in possession of a genuine Belgian licence.
Standing in the dock at Newcastle Crown Court and speaking through a French interpreter, the tough-tackling midfielder pleaded not guilty to the three charges.
Tioté joined Newcastle in 2010
Wearing a blue jacket and dark trousers, the Newcastle United player was told his case would now go to trial next month.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Tioté moved to Belgian club Anderlecht in 2005 before signing for the North East club in 2010.
Tioté, who was granted unconditional bail, lives in the leafy suburb of Jesmond, Newcastle.