Bellamy to learn his fate tomorrow

Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy could learn tomorrow if he will miss part of his club’s Champions League campaign following a clash with Dynamo Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghioane.

The 23-year-old Welshman and his club had until the close of business today to put his case to UEFA disciplinary chiefs following an incident in the dying moments of last Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at the Olympic Stadium.

Bellamy’s fate is likely to be decided tomorrow, just hours after he was due to play his part in Newcastle‘s first home game in the competition against Dutch side Feyenoord this evening.

“The case will be looked at tomorrow,” a UEFA spokesman told PA Sport. “Nothing will be done disciplinary-wise until tomorrow, so he can play this evening.”

Match referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez did not see the clash, but UEFA decided to act after seeing video evidence of the incident, which showed Bellamy’s head apparently making contact with the defender’s face.

“There was nothing in the referee’s report, but our disciplinary people looked at the video this morning and further to the viewing of the video, they have decided to open an investigation,” a UEFA spokesman told PA Sport last Friday.

“They have until Tuesday next week to put their case to UEFA. Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the decision of the disciplinary and control committee, he could be either suspended or fined.”

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson declined to comment on the matter yesterday as he prepared his side for tonight’s vitally important game, but he will be desperate not to lose Bellamy.

Ironically, Newcastle have confirmed that they will ask referee Mike Riley, who harshly booked Bellamy for diving during the 2-0 derby win over Sunderland on Saturday, to look at that incident again and reconsider the caution.

The former Coventry striker is hoping to shake off the effects of three tough games inside a week after seven months on the sidelines to play his part against Feyenoord, but he will be keeping his fingers crossed that tomorrow’s decision does not blow apart his Champions League dream.