Despite him initially being accused of ‘bullying’, it has now been reported by Sky Sports that the NUFC coach Peter Beardsley will face club officials today after ‘several’ African academy players have complained about racial abuse.
The Mail claim that FIVE U-23 players have given witness statements in support of Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, with the 22-year-old having made allegations of bullying and several African players of racism.
Innocent until proven guilty, but with ‘several’ African players in the academy vouching for El-Mhanni’s claims, it isn’t looking good for Beardsley at all.
Exclusive: NUFC investigate allegations of racial abuse against U23 boss Peter Beardsley made by academy's African players. Hearing is tomorrow. Five players have also provided statements in support of Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, who accuses Beardsley of bullying https://t.co/mwWlyBRRI2
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) January 7, 2018
The following statement has also emerged from Craig Hope’s piece in the Daily Mail, stating that complaints were raised over Beardsley’s treatment of players last year – with suggestions that former youngster Lewis Gibson quite the club for Everton as a result of being ‘so unhappy’:
“We understand that concerns about Beardsley’s treatment of players were first raised last year when England youth international Lewis Gibson quit the club for Everton in a deal which could rise to £6million.”
“We have been told that one coach at Newcastle even advised Gibson to leave the club, because he had become so unhappy.”
Beardsley and the club have refused to comment on the matter up until this point, however the 56-year-old will meet chief executive Lee Charnley and head of safeguarding Steve Swinyard today after finding himself in the centre of several strong allegations.
We’ll refrain from any real judgement on the situation until he’s proven guilty, but if he is, he’ll lose his job.
Here’s a few fan reactions to the news of potential racial abuse:
This Beardsley stuff doesn’t sound good, at all.
Bullying, racial abuse and reportedly he’s the reason Lewis Gibson left the club!#nufc
— NUFC Index (@NUFC_Index) January 7, 2018
This is pretty brutal stuff. It's damning for Beardsley given so many players have made statements. If found guilty, this is completely unacceptable. Legend or not. #NUFC https://t.co/Hd4qCHHxm6
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) January 7, 2018
Thanks for that Olly,I remember he was shown the door a few yrs back for bullying but jabba took him back
Icedog(Quote)