Newcastle play down Bellamy-Carver bust-up

NEWCASTLE yesterday moved to play down a bust-up between star striker Craig Bellamy and first-team coach John Carver.

The pair allegedly clashed in a private lounge at Newcastle International Airport as Bobby Robson and his squad prepared to fly out to Palma for tonight’s UEFA Cup fourth round, second leg clash with Real Mallorca.

Both men boarded the plane and there was no sign of any ill-feeling, and club officials yesterday insisted that the incident had been minor and had been resolved amicably between Bellamy and Carver in Majorca last night.

The incident, however, will have infuriated Robson and chairman Freddy Shepherd, who have on several occasions had to warn some of their high-profile players over their behaviour.

Indeed it is the latest blot on Bellamy’s personal copybook following a series of misdemeanours on and off the field, including a training ground spat with Carver last season.