Manchester City and England goalkeeper Khiara Keating has pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing nitrous oxide canisters.
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The 20-year-old, from Manchester, was charged with possession of a Class C drug on June 18 following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
Keating appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court with her mother, Nicola Keating, 48, who also denied the same charge.
Both were granted unconditional bail and will return to court for a further hearing on September 10 2024.
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Nitrous oxide was classified as a Class C drug in November 2023, making wrongful inhalation an offence, although it remains legal for certain uses like in catering or pain relief during labor.
Prosecutor Jonathan Potter stated that the women were accused of possessing canisters intended for wrongful inhalation. During the court appearance, both Keating and her mother entered pleas of “not guilty” and provided their names and addresses.
The case will proceed to trial, with a date to be set by a district judge. Keating, who earned the Women’s Super League Golden Glove award in May, has not yet played for England but was a substitute during recent UEFA Women’s Championship qualifiers.
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