BEARDSLEY CLAIM

Toon academy coach in racism storm

PETER BEARDSLEY is under investigation by Newcastle United after allegations of racial abuse were made by African players in the club’s academy.

Sportsmail can reveal that FIVE of Beardsley’s players have given witness statements in support of Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, who has alleged bullying by the Under 23s boss. Beardsley will meet club officials today, when the allegations and evidence will be put to him. He will be represented by an official from the Professional Footballers’ Association. Also present will be Lee Charnley, the club’s chief executive, and head of safeguarding, Steve Swinyard. ElMhanni, 22, has his grievance meeting on Thursday. The Premier League are aware of the investigation but are not involved at this stage. If Newcastle find the case against Beardsley to be proven, it is expected he will lose his job. Concerns about Beardsley’s treatment of players had been raised last year when England youth international Lewis Gibson quit the club for Everton. Sportsmail has been told Gibson became so unhappy at Newcastle that a coach advised him to leave the club. Sources have also spoken of Beardsley’s unpopularity at the academy, where he is based after Rafa Benitez decided to make the club’s training ground exclusive to the first team. Beardsley, 56, is in his second spell as a coach with the Magpies. In 2003 he and academy director Kenny Wharton were cleared by the Premier League after allegations of bullying were made by youth players James Beaumont and Ross Gardner. Newcastle declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.