By Matthew Jones
March 26 2003

"Welsh Whippet" Craig Bellamy has been charged by Police for racially abusing a nightclub bouncer in the town of Cardiff. The incident occured as Bellamy visited his home town to help Wales prepare for their forthcoming Euro 2004 Qualifiers. Craig Bellamy did not get off lightly, after turning up at training just a few hours after the Cardiff incident. Sir Bobby Robson could not believe the Welsh International had dared to turn up.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd said yesterday that the Welsh Whipper would be punished accordingly if he was found guilty for anything that happened in Cardiff that night.

Freddy said: "Obviously at this stage, we do not know all the facts and until we do, we do not want to say too much, but I would not be doing my job if I did not try to clamp down on any incident which sees the name of the club dragged down."

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The Sun today said :

Bellamy voluntarily went to be questioned by detectives after police received a formal complaint from an Asian man who alleged he was the victim of abuse outside a Cardiff nightclub in the early hours of Monday.

Detective Inspector Dave Bishop of Cardiff CID said: "Detectives have now submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"A 23-year-old man has been reported for summons in relation to a public order offence to appear at Cardiff Magistrates Court at a date yet to be fixed."

Bellamy's solicitor Graham Shear said last night: "Craig voluntarily met with police in Cardiff and provided information with respect to an incident which allegedly occurred in the early hours of Monday in Cardiff City Centre.

"Craig will not be entering into a dialogue with the Press as to matters discussed with the police.

"However Craig firmly and categorically denies that any racist comments were made in relation to this incident."

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So, what does Fat Fred have to say now???

Freddy Shepherd is now saying that the club will stand by the Welshman.

He insisted: "Craig may be a rascal but he is certainly no racist.

"When we get all the facts we will hold our own investigation. But we will not let Craig Bellamy - or any other player - ruin all the great work Bobby Robson is doing on the field. Nothing will get in the way of success at this club."