JONJO SHELVEY has pleaded not guilty to an FA charge of racially abusing an opponent, and has requested a personal hearing in order to protest his innocence.

Shelvey, who is therefore available for Newcastle’s Championship game at Leeds United on Sunday, has been charged with abusing an opponent during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves in mid-September.

The FA claim the transgression is an “aggravated breach”, which means it is alleged to have included a reference to “ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality”.

It is understood the alleged offence relates to comments that were directed at Wolves’ Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss in the 87th minute of Newcastle’s defeat, which was the point at which Vurnon Anita was sent off for serious foul play.

Saiss, who has only a limited grasp of English, is understood to have at least one witness who approached the officials in the immediate aftermath of the game at St James’ Park to challenge Shelvey’s alleged actions.

However, Shelvey is also believed to have a witness supporting his own series of events, which he is confident will see him cleared by an independent disciplinary hearing.

That hearing will enable the midfielder to outline what he claims happened in the closing stages of September’s game, and will also offer an opportunity for him to highlight any mitigating factors relating to the alleged abuse.

Newcastle have supported Shelvey’s desire for a personal hearing, and Rafael Benitez will be free to select the 24-year-old until his hearing takes place.

If he is found guilty by an independent commission, Shelvey is likely to face a suspension of at least five matches.

A Newcastle statement said: “Newcastle United can confirm that 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.

“The player has requested a personal hearing with the FA regarding this matter. The club will be making no further comment until the matter has been concluded.”

Shelvey has been one of Newcastle’s most influential players this season, starting all bar two of the club’s Championship matches and scoring three goals in all competitions as the Magpies have climbed to the top of the table and reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

His absence would represent a significant blow, although Benitez also boasts Jack Colback, Isaac Hayden and Mo Diame who are capable of playing at the heart of midfield.