Peter Beardsley charged with using racist language by FA after bullying investigation

Complaints prompted Beardsley to leave the Magpies' academy earlier this month

The Football Association have charged former England international Peter Beardsley on three counts of using racist language during his time as Under-23s coach at Newcastle United. An internal investigation began in January 2018 following complaints, one of which came from young midfielder Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, who left the club shortly afterwards. On Monday, it was confirmed that three charges of using abusive and/or insulting words towards under-23s players had been brought forward by the FA. The 58-year-old denies the claims. An FA statement confirmed: "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." A former England international, Beardsley enjoyed great success as a player for Newcastle and Liverpool, lifting the First Division title twice and FA Cup once. Earlier this month, Beardsley spoke to an event in Gateshead and defended his actions, saying: “I’m not a bully, and I’m not a racist. “Everybody in the city of Newcastle has been amazing, for 15 months, they’ve been amazing. I know what I am and everybody who knows me, my family, my friends, knows what I am. I’m comfortable with what I am. It is what it is, I’m just ready to move on.”