BELLAMY and his TEMPER

By Matthew Jones
March 10 2003

Shearer could be the man to help curb Bellamy's temper, which has earned him several bans and fines in both the Premiership and the Champions League. Sir Bobby Robson today made a statement...

Now, we all know that Welsh striker Craig Bellamy has a problem with his temper. He has been in trouble for headbutting and punching already in the Champions League this season and we are not even out of the group stages!

Alan Shearer could be the man to help curb his temper, Sir Bobby Robson claimed today.

Speaking in advance to Tuesday night's clash with Inter Milan at the San Siro ground, Robson said: "Alan's got to be Alan and Craig's got to improve.

"How many car crashes do you have before you start to drive your car properly? Bellamy has to learn from his mistakes.

"He plays international football and that's a learning experience as well and an extension of Champions League football.

"I don't know what the Italians' plan is but I think they might well target him. He has to learn that red cards are for mugs. He was very low after his red card against Inter, particularly after serving the ban from the Kiev game.

"You have to discipline players but also put an arm around them. He had to improve. There are laws of the game, 17 of them, and you've got to stay within them and know what that means.

"If he gets a bit wound up he's got to keep a hold of himself. He has learned, he has got better. He knows he's been sent off twice, he knows he can't afford a third time. He would be a mug! He is fiery but he's got to be in control, walk away, talk to himself and get help from other people - quickly!

"He's a good foil for Shearer because his pace is wonderful. He had a poor night against Middlesbrough but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"Between him and Laurent Robert half our danger disappeared, so we have to make sure it doesn't happen against Inter.

"They won't rattle Shearer though. He did react in the first game but he's too clever and experienced to let that happen again. He's too cool a customer and you'll see that in the San Siro."