BELLAMY and SHEPHERD: Showdown Talks
By Matthew Jones
October 8 2003
Shamed Newcastle star Craig Bellamy will have to explain himself to chairman Freddy Shepherd after he was convicted for threatening a nightclub bouncer, although the idea that it was racially motivated was dropped.
Freddy Shepherd wants to clear-the-air in talks over Bellamy's brush with the law as soon as he returns from international duty.
Shepherd will also decide whether or not the £750 fine imposed by the law is enough, or whether the club should impose its own punishment upon Bellamy.
Shepherd said today: "I want to hear what happened from Craig himself before deciding whether the club needs to take the matter any further.
"At the moment we have only heard what has been reported by the media and I need to have the full story.
"So when he returns from international duty with Wales I will be holding a meeting with him."
Bellamy pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates for the charge of abusive/insulting words/behaviour after he tried to gain entry into a nightclub after it had closed it's doors.
Loyal Toon Army fans have slammed Bellamy for "heaping shame" on the club and Frank Gilmour, chairman of the Newcastle United Independent Supporters' Association, said: "I'm disgusted with his behaviour.
"We are paying a fortune to go and watch them and every time you pick up a paper they are doing something wrong.
"My opinion of Bellamy is going downhill all the time and he hasn't been producing it on the pitch either.
"He's brought shame on the club."
Kev Fletcher, of fanzine Talk of theTyne.com, added: "He's been warned so many times but the only way you can hurt him is by fining him, which I think the club should do.
"It doesn't matter that he was away with Wales at the time, he's supposed to be an ambassador for the club.
"If he was playing well you could maybe turn a blind eye but even he admits he's playing badly at the moment."
Deputy district judge Anthony Smith-Jones told Bellamy yesterday how he had let both himslef and the fans down. He said: "You are a role model, people do look up to you and, in this you have let your self down."
Mark Haslam who was defending Bellamy added: "He has learned a salutary lesson over the last six months."
WHAT WILL COME OF THIS?
Leave your opinions and discuss this story on our Message Board!