Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey to have racial abuse hearing before Christmas

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey will argue his case against an FA charge of racist abuse in a hearing in the week beginning December 19.

Three weeks ago, the 24-year-old pleaded not guilty to racially abusing a Wolverhampton Wanderers player.

Shelvey is alleged to have used "abusive and/or insulting words" towards an opponent - believed to be Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss - in the 87th minute of the Magpies' 2-0 defeat at St James' Park on September 17.

According to The Guardian, the case has been a lengthy process due to Saiss's limited grasp of the English language, while witnesses from the Wolves team have provided conflicting accounts.

The report adds that Shelvey has a witness who can back up claims that he did not say the words that he has been accused of uttering.

The former Liverpool midfielder could be give a five-match ban if found guilty of the charge.