Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack de Menezes

Craig Bellamy: Cardiff City deny claim that youth coach will be sacked over bullying investigation

Cardiff City have denied a report that Craig Bellamy has been sacked, with the recently-relegated Premier League club confirming that “investigations are ongoing” into allegations of bullying made against the youth coach.

The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that former Wales international Bellamy “will lose his position”, having been accused of bullying, intimidation and xenophobia by an academy player.

But Cardiff issued a statement later in the morning to say that no decision has been made on Bellamy’s future, with the 39-year-old currently on a leave of absence from his role while the club investigate the matter.

A Cardiff City statement read: "The investigation is ongoing and no formal decisions have been taken.

"There will be no further comment until the investigation process is complete."

Bellamy won 78 caps for Wales between 1999 and 2013 and played for Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle among others during a colourful career.

In a statement released in January, Bellamy said he had stepped down from his position as Cardiff Under-18 coach while the club conducted its investigation into the claims made against him.

"Obviously, I am saddened both by the allegations and the manner in which they were made and I categorically refute them," Bellamy said.

"I fully expect to return to my coaching role and have sought legal advice as to my position."

If Bellamy is to return to his role, it is likely to be after he embarks on an education in communication programme - something the 39-year-old is understood to be prepared to undertake.

Bellamy was a regular pundit on Sky before the bullying allegations were made at the start of the year and the investigation launched.

But Bellamy has not worked for Sky since and the broadcaster will review the situation following the club's findings.

Additional reporting by PA

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.