SHAMED AND BANNED
Newcastle United legend suspended for 32 weeks by FA after being found guilty of making racist comments
NEWCASTLE United legend Peter Beardsley has been suspended from all football activity for 32 weeks after an FA disciplinary committee found him guilty of using racist and/or abusive language towards Under-23 players.
The 58-year-old left his post as reserve team coach in March following a 14-month period of gardening leave, during which time an internal investigation into his conduct took place.
Allegations, which Beardsley has always strenuously refuted, were lodged by several Academy players, most notably by former winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.
The FA charged the former England international with three breaches of FA Rule E3 following the conclusion of initial disciplinary proceedings by Newcastle United FC into allegations of misconduct.
The FA alleged that Beardsley used abusive and/or insulting words, which were contrary to FA Rule E3(1) and constituted an “Aggravated Breach” under
FA Rule E3(2) due to reference of ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality, while employed as a coach of the club’s Under23s team.
All three breaches of FA Rule E3 were denied but subsequently found proven based upon the results and findings of Newcastle United FC’s disciplinary proceedings.
Beardsley has been banned from all football-related activity until April 29 and has also been ordered to complete a face-to-face education course.
The former Newcastle and England striker has admitted to being left “shocked” by the decision, reiterating that he is not a racist. A statement from Beardsley’s lawyer reads: “Peter Beardsley is very surprised and disappointed by the decision of the Regulatory Commission.
“It was almost impossible for Peter to clear his name because of the serious flaws and contamination of evidence that occurred in the disciplinary process before Newcastle United and by the unusual fact that the FA Rules put the burden of proof on him to prove his innocence in the proceedings.
“After a long process which has been unnecessarily protracted, Peter feels vindicated that the Commission has expressly found that he is not a racist.
“Peter and his legal advisers have been inundated with support from all over the country, both from fellow professionals of the highest repute including John Barnes, Kevin Keegan, Les Ferdinand and Andrew Cole, as well as other football professionals including managers, coaches, players, and football fans, all of which provided unchallenged evidence to the Commission as to Peter’s good character, the fact that he is not a racist and whatever was said, there was no intent to cause offence.
“Peter has had many great years at Newcastle United and despite the circumstances of his dismissal he will always have the Club close to his heart and wishes the fans the success they deserve in the future.
“Surprisingly, Newcastle United did not provide the relevant training and education for Peter. Peter has always been willing and eager to attend all and any training organised by the Club.
“Peter fully appreciates all the support over what has been a difficult period for him and his family, particularly that of previous manager and colleague Arthur Cox.
“Peter has categorically denied the allegations throughout whilst continuing to honour the contractual obligations of confidentiality to Newcastle United and maintaining his silence which in itself has been very difficult.
“With no avenue left open to him to clear his name Peter has no choice but to acknowledge the decision and now looks forward to moving on with his life and resuming his career.
“He shall respect the sanction imposed and looks forward to returning to work in football, which has been his life, at the end of his suspension.”