Bellamy risks missing Mackems match

Last updated : 09 April 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The Welshman was charged with using insulting and/or abusive words to match officials after being one of a number of our players to confront Andy D’Urso and his assistants after their poor performance in the 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

Bellamy has already pleaded guilty to the charge (although the way the FA’s disciplinary system works it is almost impossible to be found not guilty of an offence if a referee claims that it happened) and the hearing is merely to decide his punishment.

As any suspension will be enforceable immediately after the hearing it is unlikely that he will be available to join in the celebratory atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.

Ashley Cole and Patrick Vieira of Arsenal have both faced similar charges this season and received two and three game bans respectively.

Meanwhile Thomas Gravesen is unlikely to face any FA sanction for his horrendous challenge on Olivier Bernard after referee Neale Barry failed to mention the incident in his match report.