THE Football Association confirmed last night that Emre will have the opportunity to answer allegations of racism at a hearing on March 19.

And Newcastle United, who issued a strongly worded statement after becoming unhappy with the national media's coverage of the row, are determined to ensure the Turkish midfielder receives a fair trial.

The Magpies took the step after confirmation of the FA's plans to investigate further claims made by Watford's Al Bangura that he was also abused by Emre.

There had been a suggestion that Bolton's El-Hadji Diouf had also been targeted by Emre, but the Senegalese striker has informed the FA he does not wish to pursue the matter.

Both those allegations emerged after the FA's decision to charge the former Inter Milan man with using racially-aggravated words and/or behaviour during Newcastle's defeat at Everton on December 30.

Officials at St James' Park also wished to make clear that the club was unaware of any alteration or indication from the FA that they had issued a second charge to Emre over the claims brought against him by Bangura.

''Following the allegations which appeared in the media of alleged racist incidents involving Emre, the FA wrote to El-Hadji Diouf and Al Bangura to ask them if they were able to provide statements," said a club spokesman.

''El-Hadji Diouf has responded and confirmed he does not want to pursue the matter. Alhassan Bangura has responded with a statement and further investigations will now be made."

The statement added: "The club also wishes to reiterate that it has not been made aware of any further charges being brought or about to be brought against Emre by the Football Association.

"Newcastle United is proud to be a club with a long-standing tradition of working closely with anti-racism organisations on both a local and national basis, and will continue to be a strong champion of such an important cause."

Emre has continually protested his innocence and has vowed to clear his name, which he will now have the chance to do on March 19.

He found himself thrown into the race row after the trip to Goodison Park in late December. Angry exchanges with Tim Howard, Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo are at the centre of the allegations against Emre.

After the match Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder visited the Everton dressing room in an attempt to diffuse the situation. He has always maintained the player's comments that sparked the row were not racist.

Nevertheless, after evidence was demanded by the FA from the Everton players in question, Emre was charged and he has played only once since, in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on New Year's Day.

Newspaper reports have since brought to light claims of further comments aimed towards Diouf and Bangura, sparking Newcastle to go on the attack yesterday.

"Any person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty," read the statement. "The conduct of certain sections of the press in ignoring that basic principle of fairness is deeply regrettable.

"It is the club's opinion that the content in these articles is highly prejudicial and seriously reduces the chances of the player receiving a fair hearing when he makes a personal response to the charge brought against him.

"Both the club and player have genuine worries that a trial through the media is effectively being conducted long before the actual hearing will take place.

"We are making stringent inquiries into how such stories have come to appear in print and the club would be highly concerned if information is being leaked by any individual or association involved with this ongoing matter."

Emre has had a calf problem, but he has returned to training and there are hopes he could play a part in Thursday's UEFA Cup first leg with AZ Alkmaar.

He will not be considered for tomorrow's visit of Middlesbrough, but Kieron Dyer, who was missing from Sunday's defeat to Wigan, should be back after recovering from the flu