Dundee Football Club manager James McPake and Forfar player Gary Irvine have appeared in court charged in relation to a disturbance at a city bar.
McPake, 35, denied making homophobic remarks to two men in Braes on Perth Road on October 6.
It is alleged the offence was aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation.
Irvine, 34, denied headbutting one of the men at the same location.
The case, which called at Dundee Sheriff Court, was continued until the New Year.
Both appeared on an undertaking having been charged by police last month in connection with the alleged incident, which took place at around 11.30pm.
McPake joined Dundee Football Club from Hibernian in 2014 and went on to make 50 league appearances for the club.
Having retired from playing in January last year, he took up the Dundee manager’s post this summer after some time coaching with the club’s academy.
Before his permanent appointment he had been made caretaker manager following the departure of former Dunfermline Athletic boss Jim McIntyre in May.
The club currently sit third in the Scottish Championship, the country’s second-tier.
They are six points behind city rivals Dundee United, who are top, and three points behind Ayr.
They wil take on United in the second Dundee derby of the season on Friday.
Irvine was an integral part of Dundee’s ‘Dee-fiant’ 2010/11 squad that managed to survive in the top flight despite being deducted 25 points when the club plunged in to administration.
The side remained unbeaten for a run of 23 matches, which is a club record. Dundee then exited administration in May 2011.
He now plays for Scottish League One side Forfar Athletic.
Dundee FC declined to say anything on the matter.
Forfar Athletic have been approached for comment.
The pair, represented by David Duncan, are next scheduled to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on February 6 for an intermediate diet.
A trial date was set for February 27.
