Craig Bellamy: Cardiff City deny claim that youth coach will be sacked over bullying investigation
Premier League club have responded to a report that claimed a decision has been taken to dismiss the former Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle striker from his role as youth coach
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Your support makes all the difference.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
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