A Cypriot footballer accused of making a homophobic gesture to Brighton fans during a Championship match is to face trial.

Colin Kazim-Richards, 26, is accused of making the gesture while playing for Blackburn Rovers at Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium on 12 February.

The player, who plays for Turkish side Bursaspor, has previously denied a charge made under the Public Order Act.

His trial has been set for 14 and 15 January at Brighton Magistrates Court.

Kazim-Richards attended Greenleaf Primary School in Walthamstow, where he developed an interest in football, which continued into his secondary education at Aveling Park, Walthamstow. His mother is a Turkish Cypriot (which enabled him to join the Turkish national team), and his father is of Antiguan descent.

Colin has previously played for Sheffield United, Fenerbahce, Toulouse, Galatasaray, Olympiacos and Blackburn Rovers.