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Newcastle United legend and under-23s coach Peter Beardsley did make discriminatory comments and his treatment of player Yasin Ben El-Mhanni was ‘generally unfair’, an independent appeal has ruled.

The 22-year-old winger made an official complaint against Beardsley in January but was then told he would be released by the club when his contract expires in the summer — despite his case of bullying and discrimination not having been resolved.

El-Mhanni still looks set to leave Newcastle even though an appeal following the club’s initial findings has upheld several claims of unfair treatment.

It is believed a follow-up hearing into allegations of racism against Beardsley also took place last month. Beardsley categorically denies the allegations made against him.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

This was further to statements originally made by several academy players in January, and lawyers acting for Beardsley asked questions of those who have brought the allegations.

The 57-year-old has been suspended for five months and there is frustration among club staff and academy players that the investigation has been allowed to drag on for so long.

No final decision about Beardsley’s employment has been made by the club as yet.

The former England international and Newcastle captain first took gardening leave on January 9.

Initially expected to be resolved within weeks, the situation has dragged on for months.

(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

United chiefs interviewed all of their under-23 and under-18 players, as well as every member of staff, as part of their investigation.

As well as the complaint by winger El-Mhanni further claims alleged Beardsley told groups of African players “you lot should be better runners” in a training session and “your lot should be good at this” during a visit to Go Ape.

Other reported allegations included him accusing another group of speaking a “made up language” after hearing their conversation in Arabic and one player’s upset at disparaging remarks about the quality of training facilities and pitches in his country.

In a statement released in January, Beardsley’s solicitors, Farley’s, said: “Allegations of unfair treatment have been made, which are currently being investigated.

“Peter Beardsley categorically denies the allegations. It is hoped the investigation will conclude quickly.”

This has been Beardsley’s second spell in charge of the development side since he returned to the club in 2014.