THREE BOOKINGS FOR BEARDSLEY

Guest speaker slots despite race storm

PETER BEaRdslEy is scheduled to appear as guest speaker at no fewer than three events in the coming weeks despite being suspended by Newcastle United following allegations of racism and bullying made by players in the club’s academy.

It is likely the former England international will be paid for the appearances, which have been organised through private promoters and are outside his employment by the club.

One of the companies involved risks angering paying punters for a second time. artistes International Management are charging as much as £60 per ticket for ‘England legends live’ at the sunderland Empire Theatre later this month.

Beardsley was forced to pull out of a ‘Newcastle legends’ evening organised by aIM in the city last month when he was suspended by the club pending the outcome of their investigation. aIM had arranged that show before news of the allegations became public. However, they are now advertising ‘ England legends live’ with Beardsley’s name and picture on the posters. The evening is set for February 27, with Peter Reid, Chris Waddle and Kevin Phillips also set to appear.

Beardsley is under investigation after several of his Under 23 squad made claims against him, including allegations of racism by two african players.

But the 57-year-old will be the guest speaker at Brampton Golf Club in Cumbria tomorrow night, with tickets for their sporting dinner costing £35. Ian Milburn, owner of IM Events, confirmed that the evening is sold out but did not want to comment further, saying only that Beardsley was ‘a friend’ and he had ‘no qualms’ about it going ahead.

Tickets — some priced at £40 — are also being sold for ‘an Evening with Peter Beardsley’ at the Park Inn, Chester- le- street on March 2. Promoters andy Husband Promotions did not want to comment. Big star Creations are also listed as promoting ‘ England legends live’ but neither they nor aIM were available for comment.

some of the complaints of bullying and mistreatment brought by yasin Ben El- Mhanni were upheld by Newcastle. However, because some allegations were not upheld, the winger has decided to appeal. Beardsley denies the allegations.