EXCLUSIVE : Peter Beardsley under investigation after racism allegations

Newcastle chiefs met on Monday but no decision about his future was reached

The Premier League are aware of the case but are not involved at this stage

Sources have spoken of the 56-year-old’s unpopularity among players and staff

Newcastle United’s hierarchy will hear how Peter Beardsley allegedly made a racist comment to one of his players during a trip to the Go Ape adventure course when their investigation into the club’s Under 23s boss continues this week.

We can also reveal that one former academy hopeful has made contact with the club to allege that he, too, was bullied by Beardsley.

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But one incident which is alleged to have occurred last year came during a trip to the Go Ape complex in Newcastle, when it is claimed Beardsley said to an African player struggling to climb on some bars, 'Why are you taking so long? Your lot should be good at this'. He is also alleged to have questioned the age of African players.

Peter Beardsley was called away from Newcastle's training ground on Tuesday morning

He allegedly made a racist comment during a trip to the Go Ape adventure course

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Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Monday that African players in the club’s academy had made allegations of racial abuse against Beardsley. We understand one of those players is Togo-born Yannick Aziakonou, an 18-year-old defender.

Beardsley met with chief executive Lee Charnley and head of safeguarding Steve Swinyard at St James’ Park yesterday in a hearing which lasted for a couple of hours.

However, no decision was taken on the 56-year-old’s future and he was NOT suspended, meaning he is set to take training on Tuesday with the same players who have brought complaints against him. The club will now speak to those players this week.

We also reported Monday that five of Beardsley’s squad have given witness statements in support of Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, who accuses the former England international of bullying. El-Mhanni, 22, has his grievance meeting on Thursday.

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Newcastle chiefs met on Monday but no decision about Beardsley's future was reached

The Premier League are aware of the case but are not involved at this stage

Monday's Under 23s fixture at home to Middlesbrough was postponed because of a frozen pitch. We have learned that El-Mhanni had been told he would not play in the game, despite featuring in back-to-back victories in December. The winger was frustrated at the news.

We also understand that a former player has been in touch with El-Mhanni to offer his support. The player says he was also bullied by Beardsley and has told El-Mhanni he is right to speak out.

The Premier League are aware of the club’s current investigation but are not involved at this stage. If Newcastle find the allegations against Beardsley to be proven, it is expected that he will lose his job.

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The club declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.

The alleged incident is understood to have taken place at Go Ape in Newcastle

Go Ape involves climbing tall trees and overcoming a series of obstacles in the canopy