Referee denies Rangers star abuse

Jean-Claude Darcheville spent 18 months playing for Rangers

A referee has appeared in court charged with making racist remarks about former Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville.

Former SPL referee Michael Ritchie, 49, of Aberdeen, denied racially aggravated breach of the peace concerning the French player in November last year.

He is accused of committing the offence while leaving an Aberdeen and District Referees Association meeting.

The case is due to call again at Aberdeen Sheriff Court later in May.

Darcheville left for French side Valenciennes at the start of the year, after 18 months at Ibrox.