Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has denied a charge of violent conduct over his clash with Manchester United's Eric Djemba-Djemba in last month's Community Shield, the English Football Association confirmed today.
The FA has been in contact with Campbell's legal representatives about arranging a personal hearing for the centre back, who is training with the England squad for Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia.
Campbell was charged by the FA for kicking out at Djemba-Djemba after the Cameroon midfielder appeared to follow through and catch Campbell with his studs in Cardiff on August 10th.
If found guilty, Campbell faces a three-match ban for the offence. He is also facing a one-game ban for his red card in Arsenal's opening league game of the season against Everton at Highbury on August 16th.
Any possible punishment for the Community Shield incident will be delayed by his request for a hearing, and could be further delayed if he were to appeal against the verdict.
Campbell was upset last season when he was not granted a personal hearing at the FA after being banned for four games following a controversial red card for elbowing in a match against Manchester United in April.
He missed Arsenal's title run-in and the FA Cup final win over Southampton in May.