David Duckenfield has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter over the Hillsborough disaster.
Duckenfield was the match commander on the day 96 Liverpool supporters were unlawfully killed before the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield.
The former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent entered his plea while appearing via video link in a pre-trial hearing at Preston Crown Court.
Duckenfield will stand trial on grounds of gross negligence manslaughter of 95 of the victims, whose names were read out in court on Monday.
Judge Sir Peter Openshaw lifted a historical stay on the 74-year-old which dated back to 2000 which prevented legal proceedings against him in June.
Around 15 bereaved families were in attendance to hear Duckenfield as he spoke to confirm his name and revealed his intention to plea.
Also set to face criminal proceedings is ex-Sheffield Wednesday secretary Graham Mackrell after he pleaded not guilty to health and safety offences.
The 68-year-old, who also denied contravening a term or condition on the stadium’s safety certificate, will stand trial on January 14 next year.