OPINION
Newcastle United hero Peter Beardsley has suffered quite the fall from grace over the last 12 months and things are not getting any easier for the former England international.
Alleged to have engaged in bullying behaviour, which included racially motivated comments and insulting statements, as the Magpies’ under-23 coach, he was suspended by the club while they undertook an internal investigation into the claims.
Over a year later, during which there was radio silence from the club over the incident, it was revealed that Beardsley was no longer employed at St James’ Park – although there was still no statement on what the result of the behind-the-scenes inquiry was.
Finally, it seems as though the Toon Army have an answer, with the Football Association officially charging Beardsley with a number of breaches of rules as coach of the club’s reserve side.
The statement, delivered on the FA’s website, says: “Peter Beardsley has been charged with three breaches of FA Rule E3.
“It is alleged Mr Beardsley used abusive and/or insulting words towards Newcastle United FC Under 23 players, which were contrary to FA Rule E3(1), whilst employed as their coach.
“It is further alleged these words also constituted an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as they included reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality.”
With some clarity finally shed over the situation, the Newcastle top brass must surely be feeling red faced about how they dealt with this particular controversy.
Having taken over a year to provide no answers as to their decision, it took the FA a matter of weeks to charge him – leaving the Toon Army questioning how and/or why the club chose to remain silent on the matter.
This was a situation which needed to be tackled head on but instead the Magpies hid behind their statement – now the truth seems to be out and it is clear Beardsley has a case to answer for.
Not a shining moment for the Magpies’ decision makers in any shape or form.
