Peter Beardsley is under investigation at Newcastle amid allegations of bullying.

The Toon legend, coach of the club’s Under-23 players, has been accused by 22 year-old winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni of conducting a sustained campaign designed to humiliate him.

A number of players have given statements supporting allegations made by El-Mhanni.

El-Mhanni’s complaint will be heard at a grievance meeting on Thursday.

El-Mhanni’s representatives have refused to comment but Mirror Sport understands he remains deeply unhappy and has taken the official route in a bid to get his complaints heard.

(Image: Serena Taylor)

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

It is the second time that Beardsley, who won 59 caps in his illustrious England career, has been accused of bullying at Newcastle. He and coach Kenny Wharton were cleared in 2003 after Under-19 players Ross Gardner and James Beaumont made claims against them.

Beardsley left the club in 2006. He later took on an ambassadorial role doing PR and media work for Mike Ashley.

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He rejoined the academy as a coach in 2009.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

El-Mhanni is highly thought of by Toon head coach Rafa Benitez. The Chelsea-born player made two first team appearances in last season’s FA Cup. He joined Newcastle in June 2016.

Before this the player had had trials with Chelsea and Crystal Palace after his vast array of skills had gone viral on the internet.

He had also rubbed shoulders with Neymar having worked on commercials to show the Brazil superstar some of his tricks. He chose Newcastle after the Magpies moved quickly to show him around their facilities and to impress him with their set-up at the club.

(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

(Image: Newcastle United via Getty)

It is understood that El-Mhanni claims his alleged unfair treatment began within months of his arrival on Tyneside.

El-Mhanni is a product of the London-based AG Football Academy, founded by agent Godfrey K Torto five years ago. El-Mhanni’s representatives have refused to comment.

The agency specialise in arranging second chances for players who have either been released by clubs or who have not had the chance to come through an academy.

Beardsley, manager Benitez and the club are all aware of the allegations but declined to comment.