Cardiff dismiss reports of Bellamy departure
CARDIFF City have moved to dismiss reports claiming Craig Bellamy has been ejected from his role as youth coach at the club.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday night that the former Wales international would lose his post with the Bluebirds following allegations of bullying, intimidation and xenophobia by an academy player.
David Madden, who claims his son Alfie was bullied by Bellamy, spoke out about the alleged behaviour of the former Wales international live on a radio programme earlier this year and has also been quoted in the Daily Mail.
Bellamy - who won 78 caps for his country - strenuously denied the allegations against him and vowed to fully co-operate with the club’s inquiry before standing down from his position at the club.
And contrary to national media reports last night, no decisions have been made over Bellamy’s future and the investigation is still ongoing.
It means Bellamy could yet return to his role after embarking on an education in communication programme - something Bellamy is understood to be fully on board with undertaking.
A club statement issued to WalesOnline read: “The investigation is ongoing and no formal decisions have been taken.
“There will be no further comment until the investigation process is complete.”
Speaking in January, Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman confirmed that the Bluebirds were launching a full and thorough investigation into the matter.
And as part of the investigation, it’s understood the Bluebirds offered free access to their academy sessions.
“I don’t want to personalise this. Any complaint or any disgruntlement of this nature that comes to the attention of Cardiff City Football Club, they will automatically investigate it,” said Dalman.
“We have procedures and processes in place that will kick in. A senior member of the board has been appointed to look into this and he will do so very thoroughly.
“He will deliver his verdict at the end of it and it’s as simple as that.”