Sunderland v Newcastle: Bellamy cleared to play!

Craig Bellamy is available for this week's Wear-Tyne derby despite being found guilty of "improper conduct" only yesterday.

The Newcastle and Welsh striker was fined £5,000 and was suspended for one match by the FC. The ban is likely to affect the final game of the season against West Brom.

The Welsh Whippet was initially charged with using foul and abusive language towards the match referee Andy D'Urso.

Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire helped with Bellamy's case and said, "We have had a very fair hearing.

"The FA were prepared to accept a charge of improper conduct rather than a charge of using foul and abusive language.

"They took into account Craig's fantastic record for a front man on the playing field this season, as he has only been cautioned once in the last 14 months [in domestic competition]. On the basis of that they suspended him for one game and gave him a £5,000 fine.

"Obviously the management and myself will now discuss whether we will appeal. We just need to sit back and think about it carefully and that's what we will be deliberating over the next few days."

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