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Newcastle U23s coach Peter Beardsley takes leave amid bullying claims

Stu Forster / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Peter Beardsley has taken "a period of leave" as Newcastle United's under-23 coach amid bullying and racism allegations, the Premier League side announced Tuesday.

A statement on Newcastle's website read:

After discussions with Peter Beardsley this morning it has been agreed that he will take a period of leave, to commence immediately, whilst the club conducts its investigation into allegations made against him.

It would be inappropriate for the club to comment further until the conclusion of this investigation.

Newcastle is investigating the former England international after Yasin Ben El-Mhanni filed a formal complaint, which has been corroborated by teammates from the under-23 squad.

Beardsley was subsequently summoned to St James' Park on Monday, where he met with managing director Lee Charnley and Steve Swinyard, the head of safeguarding.

Beardsley, along with former academy director Kenny Wharton, was previously accused of bullying in 2003 before being cleared by a Premier League inquiry.

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