Bellamy and Cort attacked by Mackems

Last updated : 20 April 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The Sunday Sun claims that the Mackems recognised Cort’s car because of its personalised number plate (which means they must have had pretty long memories to even know who he is) and surrounded the vehicle shouting abuse.

Surprisingly Bellamy is cast in the role of peacemaker this time, getting out of the car to reason with the Mackems (reason with a Mackem?) only to be physically attacked by the Neanderthals.

But Bellamy’s increasingly famous solicitor Graham Shear played down the incident, commenting: "Yes there was a minor fracas.

"A Sunderland fan who'd had a little too much to drink had a pop at Craig. Craig calmed things down very quickly.

"It was one of those things that happen in football and Craig doesn't want to make anything more of it."