NEW : The trial date is not so far in the future because of Ferguson 's work commitments . NEW : He is ` ` shocked and disgusted '' by the accusation , his lawyers say . Also in January , Merseyside police arrested a 20-year-old man on `` suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offense '' following a Liverpool match against Oldham . The case stems from comments the Chelsea footballer allegedly made to Anton ##ini . Racist comments , alleged and proven , have dogged English football for decades .
NEW : The trial date is not so far in the future because of Ferguson 's work commitments . NEW : He is ` ` shocked and disgusted '' by the accusation , his lawyers say . The case stems from comments the Chelsea footballer allegedly made to Anton ##ini . Racist comments , alleged and proven , have dogged English football for decades .