FORMER world chess champion Garry Kasparov could face up to five years in jail for allegedly biting a police officer during a protest against the Pussy Riot verdict.

Police say he bit the officer on the hand when he was arrested outside a Moscow court on Friday.

Kasparov has denied the allegation.

Interfax news agency reported that he could face up to five years in jail.

Kasparov was among about 100 Pussy Riot supporters who were arrested. Apart from one woman, all have been released.

Pussy Riot members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alekhina, and Ekaterina Samuzevich were convicted of hooliganism and incitement to religious hatred and sentenced to two years in prison.

Originally published as Kasparov faces jail over protest 'bite'