The Guardian goes with the bland version
But:
Newcastle United’s Peter Beardsley has taken an “agreed period of leave” as the club investigates allegations of bullying by the under-23 coach.
“After discussions with Peter Beardsley this morning it has been agreed he will take a period of leave, to commence immediately, whilst the club conducts its investigation into allegations made against him,” read a statement on the club’s website on Tuesday.
Beardsley had been summoned to St James’ Park for a meeting with the managing director, Lee Charnley, and the head of safeguarding, Steve Swinyard, on Monday.
It emerged at the weekend the 22-year-old winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni had made a formal complaint, backed by statements from team-mates and the investigation has broadened.
Beardsley and former academy director Kenny Wharton were cleared of bullying by a Premier League inquiry in 2003.
But:
Mirror Sport has learned some of the detail of the claims put to the 56-year-old.
One incident is said to have taken place at an adventure activity complex, Go Ape, in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Watching two African players struggling with a climbing frame, Beardsley allegedly quipped: “Why are you taking so long? Your lot should be good at this.”
African players have also given statements suggesting Beardsley regularly accused them of being they are older than they purported to be