Bellamy set to learn fate after claims of bullying

CRAIG BELLAMY, who stepped down as Cardiff City’s Under-18s coach six weeks ago after allegations of bullying were made against him, will attend a meeting at the club tomorrow where he is expected to learn whether he will be reinstated.

Bellamy was the subject of newspaper allegations made by the parents of former trainees that accused him of upsetting one young English player on a pre-season tour of Italy by turning down the sound on the television when God Save the Queen was played before an England World Cup game.

There were other allegations that Bellamy’s behaviour could be threatening and intimidating but it is thought that an investigation into the allegations has produced scant evidence against him.

The investigation has been delayed while Cardiff struggled to cope with the trauma of the death of Emiliano Sala, who was killed in a plane crash on January 22. Cardiff manager Neil Warnock and chief executive Ken Choo attended Sala’s funeral in Argentina yesterday.

Bellamy has admitted he demands a lot from his players and has high standards and he acknowledges that some youngsters would find it difficult to keep pace with what he asked of them but he has insisted he has always been fair.

The allegations against Bellamy fuelled an ongoing debate about coaching methods in academies, how equipped today’s young players are to deal with criticism and the increasing financial expectations harboured by parents with sons attached to Premier League clubs.

Bellamy has refused to comment on the bullying claims since he stepped down in January.