England legend in ‘bully’ row row

England legend faces inquiry after player complains of humiliation

PETER BEARDSLEY is under investigation at Newcastle amid allegations of bullying.

The Toon legend, coach of the club’s Under-23 players, has been accused by winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, 22, of conducting a sustained campaign designed to humiliate him. A number of players have given statements supporting allegations made by El-Mhanni (above), whose complaint will be heard at a grievance meeting on Thursday. El-Mhanni’s representatives have refused to comment, but Mirror Sport understands he remains deeply unhappy and has taken the official route in a bid to get his complaints

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heard. It is the second time Beardsley, who won 59 caps in his illustrious England career, has been accused of bullying at Newcastle.

He and coach Kenny Wharton were cleared in 2003, after Under-19 players Ross Gardner and James Beaumont made claims against them.

Beardsley, 56, left the club in 2006, but later took on an ambassadorial role. He rejoined the academy as a coach in 2009.

El-Mhanni is highly regarded by Toon head coach Rafa Benitez. He made two first-team appearances in last season’s FA Cup, after joining the club in June 2016.

Before that, he had trials with Chelsea and Crystal Palace, after his vast array of skills went viral on the internet.

It is understood El-Mhanni claims his alleged unfair treatment began within months of arriving on Tyneside. He is a product of the London-based AG Football Academy, founded by agent Godfrey K Torto five years ago.

The agency specialises in arranging second chances for players, who have either been released by clubs or not had the chance to come through an academy.

Beardsley, Benitez (above) and the club are all aware of the allegations but declined to comment.