NOW TOON LEGEND BEARDSLEY FACES RACISM ALLEGATIONS
NEWCASTLE have widened their investigation into Peter Beardsley after allegations of racism. Mirror Sport revealed on Saturday that the Toon legend (left), currently the club’s under-23 boss, is already at the centre of a
probe after allegations of bullying from winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.
Club chiefs are now looking into claims from several other players that they were racially abused.
Five statements have been taken in support of Ben El-Mhanni, 22. It is now unclear whether Beardsley will take charge of an Under-23 game tonight.
A decision is expected after a hearing with club chief executive Lee Charnley and head of safeguarding Steve Swinyard scheduled for earlier today.
They have held several meetings regarding the issue since fresh allegations came to light some months ago. It is understood England Under-17 defender Lewis Gibson left the club for Everton last summer because he did not want to play for Beardsley.
Gibson believed he had more chance of realising his potential in what he felt were more positive surroundings.
Beardsley, who won 59 England caps, has been accused of bullying at Newcastle before.
He and coach Kenny Wharton were cleared back in 2003 after two Under-19 players made claims against them.
Beardsley and the club are aware of the allegations but declined to comment.