Bellamy Fined £80k

By Matthew Jones
January 25 2005

Craig Bellamy has been fined £80,000 by Newcastle United (the equivalent to two weeks wages), following a bust-up with Magpies' manager Graeme Souness.

The Welsh striker was left out of the 16-man squad for the game against Arsenal on Sunday - due to the fact he had 'refused to play on the right side of midfield'. Boss Graeme Souness also said that the striker had declared himself unfit on Friday - before declaring himself fit again just a day later.

Craig Bellamy admitted on Monday that he had thought about feigning an injury ahead of the game against the Champions, and then accused his Scottish boss of "lying" about the whole situation.

Freddy Shepherd, speaking to the Evening Chronicle, had this to say: "When Bellamy turns up at the training ground today, he will be met with a fine of two weeks' wages, which is the maximum we can give him.

"This is not about money. It is about a player thinking that he is bigger than a football club.

"Well, let me tell you that no individual, be it the chairman, the manager or a player is bigger than Newcastle United Football Club, even if that player is a multi-millionaire.

"Craig Bellamy was a fool to go on television yesterday (Monday) afternoon. We told him not to do it and as far as we are aware, his agent advised him not to do it."

CRAIG BELLAMY: "I won't apologise because I have done nothing wrong.

"There's no doubt about it, I am out of here.

"I am dreading going into training today because I know I am not wanted.''