The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DEFENCES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
E
F
E
N
C
E
S
More clues leading to the result DEFENCES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Denials of wrongdoing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case denials of wrongdoing = defences.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DEFENCES mean?
DEFENCES noun- The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
- Something used to oppose attacks.
- An argument in support or justification of something.
- A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
- The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
- Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
- Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.