Beardsley to face Toon accusers

PETER BEARDSLEY is set to come face to face with the Newcastle United Under 23s squad who accused him of racism and bullying when they defend their title at the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens. Newcastle’s academy staff are aware of Beardsley’s intention to be at the tournament in May, and players and parents are concerned he will come into contact with the team — some of whom gave evidence during the investigation leading to his exit. This has created a safeguarding issue for the club, who confirmed this week that the former Under 23s coach had been axed after a 14-month probe following allegations brought by several academy footballers. There are other players, still at the club, who did not want to give evidence in witness statements because they feared Beardsley would return as coach. Sportsmail understands managing

director Lee Charnley blocked Beardsley’s attempts to travel to Hong Kong while still suspended last year, but he is now powerless to prevent him being around the club’s young players. He is aware of this new development. We are told Beardsley is exploring various avenues enabling him to be in Hong Kong, including playing in the Masters part of the tournament for a legends team managed by former England team-mates Viv Anderson and Trevor Steven. A source close to the club said: ‘Now he’s no longer employed by Newcastle, he can do what he wants and he is desperate to be in Hong Kong where he’s Craig Hope’s latest story in Sportsmail yesterday been before. When he’s there he’s Peter Beardsley, England legend and the locals make a fuss over him. He will want to enjoy that, especially as Newcastle’s coaches and players will be around. You would think he would rather be anywhere but the same place as them. This has left a lot of people feeling uncomfortable and they would prefer it if he wasn’t there.’ Newcastle’s Under 23s are the holders of the competition, sponsored by Citibank. However, it is thought the organisers — the Hong Kong Football Club — are not yet aware of Beardsley’s plans to be involved. They would have a duty to protect the players should concerns be raised. The FA and Premier League are also likely to take an interest. The FA were not impressed by Newcastle’s failure to address the serious allegations when they confirmed Beardsley’s departure on Wednesday. Several Premier League clubs take part in the tournament. NEWCASTLE’S promising midfielder Sean Longstaff, 21, has been ruled out for up to four months with a knee injury. He damaged his posterior cruciate ligament against West Ham on Saturday.