A PENSIONER will stand trial for allegedly making a racist gesture at a football match, with three black players expected to give evidence.

Ernest Goult, 72, is accused of making the gesture at a Middlesbrough home game against Blackburn in the Championship in November.

Blackburn players Markus Olsson, Rudy Gestede and Lee Williamson are expected to give evidence at the trial about the alleged incident at the Riverside Stadium.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard a police officer would also be giving evidence and the prosecution would produce CCTV footage.

Mr Goult, wearing a suit and pink shirt, spoke to confirm his name and deny the charge.

The home team had been leading the game 1-0 until Gestede scored a controversial equaliser deep into stoppage time.

At the time the police said the alleged gesture took place as the Blackburn players applauded their own fans.

Mr Goult, from Redcar, who has no previous convictions, was granted unconditional bail and the case will return to the magistrates' court in June.