SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 9 hrs 14 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Bellamy "truly sorry" for any offence after Cardiff bullying probe

:Headline: Bellamy 'truly sorry' for any offence after Cardiff bullying probe: ID:376255: from db_amp
The former Wales captain became the Under-21s coach at Anderlecht in June.

Craig Bellamy has spoken about the "incredibly difficult time" he went through while under investigation for bullying and xenophobic behaviour and admits it has led to a period of self-reflection.

Bellamy's former club Cardiff said this week that academy players faced an "unacceptable coaching environment" at the club following an investigation into the behaviour of the ex-Wales captain and others.

The 40-year-old stepped down from his position as Under-18s coach in January while Cardiff conducted their investigation. Bellamy then signed a three-year deal in June to become the U21s coach at Belgian club Anderlecht.

“The allegations of bullying and xenophobic behaviour made against me were difficult for me to come to terms with”
- Craig Bellamy

"Cardiff City FC conducted a long and extensive independent investigation into allegations made against the club, members of its staff past and present and against me," Bellamy said in a statement released to the PA news agency on Friday afternoon.

"The investigation, I understand, covered a lengthy period of time including long periods when I was neither involved with the academy nor the club.

"The last 10 months have been an incredibly difficult time for me and particularly for my family. The allegations of bullying and xenophobic behaviour made against me were difficult for me to come to terms with as I deplore bullying and any form of discrimination.

"Until now, I have been unable to comment, however, I am very relieved that the matter has finally concluded.

Bellamy was Under-18s coach at Cardiff after ending his playing career with the club (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

"I co-operated at all times with the investigation and answered every question that was asked of me. I voluntarily removed myself from the academy to allow the club to carry out the full and robust investigation.

"I am not the subject of any disciplinary proceedings which, of course, comes as an immense relief to me.

"Whilst I have always categorically denied and disputed the allegations against me, the whole process was still very difficult to deal with and has resulted in a long period of self-reflection."

The internal investigation, which was conducted by Cardiff's head of safeguarding and overseen by a senior board member, highlighted "a number of significant concerns" at the Sky Bet Championship club.

Cardiff said the confidential investigation report containing the club's conclusions and recommendations has been delivered to the Premier League, the Football Association, Football Association of Wales and their directors and statutory partners.

The club has promised that robust changes to procedures have already been implemented and that awareness of these issues will be reinforced for the protection of young Cardiff players.

Bellamy said in his statement that self-improvement, both as a player and coach, had always been his aim and that his love for coaching has not been diluted as a result of this episode.

But the former Liverpool and Newcastle star added: "I accept the report highlighted aspects of my coaching skills that could perhaps be improved.

Bellamy played for several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool (Martin Rickett/PA)

"I have probably relied too much on my own life experiences playing under some of the best coaches in the world, rather than assessing the sensitivities of a new generation of players.

"My only aim was to produce winners and if I upset any young players or their parents, or if I was insensitive in any way towards their feelings, then that was never my intention. If I inadvertently offended anyone then I am truly sorry.

"My job is to develop promising young players and to build a winning team, ensuring that the young players reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.

"I will continue to work hard as a coach and commit to undertake any recommended additional training. I will strive for continuous personal improvement and development to ensure I become the best coach that I can be."

Bellamy won 78 Wales caps (Nick Potts/PA)

Bellamy said he was grateful for the support he had received in recent months, including that from Cardiff and Anderlecht.

"The support that I received was the only reason that I decided to carry on in football and as a coach," he said.

"My focus now is to continue in the job and the sport that I love."

amp_article__376255 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-25 15:58:10:
html db last update - 2019-10-25 15:58:10 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Craig Bellamy

Click here for more stories about Cardiff City

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1610422191232
2Sunderland1594225111431
3Burnley168621961330
4Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
5Middlesbrough1683529191027
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom166821811726
7Watford168262524126
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City165742020022
11Derby CountyDerby165562020020
12Stoke CityStoke165561920-120
13Norwich CityNorwich164752524119
14Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds165471826-819
16Luton TownLuton165381826-818
17Coventry CityCoventry164572223-117
18Oxford UnitedOxford Utd164571924-517
19Plymouth ArgylePlymouth164571728-1117
20Preston North EndPreston163761624-816
21Cardiff CityCardiff164481524-916
22Hull City163671621-515
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR161871326-1311
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .