Bellamy bust-up over

Newcastle today 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 yesterday as Bobby Robson and his squad prepared to fly out to Palma for tomorrow night’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 today insisted that the incident had been minor and had been resolved amicably between Bellamy and Carver in Majorca last night.

“It was a push and shove playground incident,” said a spokesman. “They spoke last night and are the best of friends again.

“The club will be taking the matter no further and all that matters now is tomorrow night’s game.”

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.