By Matthew Jones
September 22 2002

Uefa are investigating an alleged headbutt by Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy in Wednesday's Champions League defeat away to Dynamo Kiev. European football's governing body has announced that its Disciplinary and Control Committee has viewed the match video of the game in the Olympic Stadium and... Uefa are investigating an alleged headbutt by Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy in Wednesday's Champions League defeat away to Dynamo Kiev.

European football's governing body has announced that its Disciplinary and Control Committee has viewed the match video of the game in the Olympic Stadium and has now invited Newcastle and Bellamy to put forward their version of events.

Magpies manager Sir Bobby Robson stated in Friday's pre-match press conference that he had only just learned of the development and would not discuss it further until more details had been made available to him.

In any case, the 23-year-old Wales international will be available for selection in Tuesday's second group game against Feyenoord at St James' Park but could then face a ban if found guilty of violent conduct.

Newcastle lost the match against Kiev 2-0, and Bellamy is alleged to have made contact with his head against opposing defender Tiberiu Ghioane in the closing stages. Spanish referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez made no mention of the incident in his match summary.

A Uefa spokesman said: "There was nothing in the referee's report, but our disciplinary people looked at the video and further to the viewing, they have decided to open an investigation.
"They have to listen to the club and the player, but Craig Bellamy is going to be able to play on Tuesday.

"They have until Tuesday next week to put their case to Uefa. Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the decision of the disciplinary and control committee, he could be either suspended or fined."

Reacting to the news ahead of the weekend home derby with Sunderland, Robson said: "I didn't even know about it until I was told.

"I've seen it, but I'm making no comment. I'm not saying anything about him. It's an internal matter as far as I'm concerned."

Uefa have stated they will only take disciplinary action against Bellamy if his action is deemed "grossly unsporting".