A Manchester United fan has denied throwing a coin at footballer Craig Bellamy during the club’s cup clash against local rivals City.

Adam Teese, 26, of Stockport, pleaded not guilty to 'throwing a missile' on to the pitch during last month’s Carling Cup semi-final.

Manchester City player Bellamy fell to the ground at Old Trafford after he was struck by a coin in the 50th minute as he went to take a corner.

Teese, who has held a season ticket at the club for eight years, spoke only to enter his plea and confirm his name and address during the hearing at Trafford Magistrates’ Court.

There was a massive police presence at the game on January 27, after trouble flared during the first leg.

A plastic bottle also thrown from the crowd narrowly missed Welsh forward Bellamy.

United won the match 3-1, giving them a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Teese will next appear at the court for a trial on May 13, which is expected to last two days.