BELLAMY facing another FA rap

By Matthew Jones
March 6 2003

After furiously confronting last night's referee and assistants, Welsh striker Craig Bellamy could face another FA rap. The Boro' beat Sir Bobby Robson's men 1-0 at the Riverside after the referee D'Urso let play continue after Jermain Jenas was brought down.

Newcastle United and Wales striker Craig Bellamy could find himself in trouble yet again after confronting one of referee Andy D'Urso's assistants during last night's 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough - a defeat that ended The Magpies' unbeaten stretch.

Bellamy, captain Alan Shearer and Newcastle's first-team coach John Carver headed straight for referee, D'Urso as soon as the final whistle went so that they could make their feelings known. Carver spoke after the match...

"It's not often you see me in the centre circle, but I think I was showing some of the players' frustrations" said Carver.

"The good and pleasing thing is that I didn't swear at anybody even though I was very upset and disappointed, certainly not only with one or two decisions but with decisions that were made over 90 minutes."

Bellamy has already served two Champions League bans for violent conduct this season and Newcastle will that he won't suffer another one.

Geremi's match-winning goal came after D'Urso waved play on after Jermain Jenas was fouled on the half-way line. However, it wasn't just Newcastle who suffered last night. Both sides felt that the ref was making bad descisions.

That was due in no small part to Boro's defensive resilience and the Newcastle front men suffering a rare off-day.

"It's bitterly disappointing that our good run has come to an end, but Middlesbrough deserve a lot of credit,' said Shearer.

It was a game of few chances, it always looked like one goal would decide it and to be fair to Boro, not many sides have reduced us to very few chances in a game like they did.

It's disappointing to lose, but now we have to go on another run like we've just come out of. That's the sign of a good side."

Manchester United beat leads 2-1 last night, to move 3 points ahead of Newcastle.