Bellusci cleared of FA racism charge

Leeds defender Giuseppe Bellusci has been found not guilty of racially abusing Norwich striker Cameron Jerome by the Football Association.

The Italian was charged on December 22 following the incident in the 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw on October 21, where he was alleged to have directed a racial insult at Jerome.

But an independent regulatory commission dropped the case at a personal hearing on Friday after Bellusci denied the charge.

An FA statement read: “Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci has had an FA charge against him found not proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

“It was alleged that during the Norwich City versus Leeds United fixture on 21 October 2014, Mr Bellusci used abusive and/or insulting words towards opponent Cameron Jerome contrary to Rule E3(1).

“It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) was an ”Aggravated Breach“ pursuant to Rule E3(2), as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.

“Mr Bellusci had denied the charge and requested a personal hearing.”

Bellusci always refuted the claim, insisting that he used no racist language, and the decision has been welcomed by his club, who supported him throughout.

“Leeds United is pleased to note the decision of the FA disciplinary panel to clear our defender, Giuseppe Bellusci, of all charges of racism made against him during the away game against Norwich City on 21 October 2014,” a statement read.

“Giuseppe has made it clear from the moment the incident happened that he did not use racist language, and the FA commission has found that to be the case.

“Leeds United is a fully inclusive organisation and through the efforts of the Leeds United Foundation aims to work with every aspect of our community by celebrating diversity and recognising cultural differences.

“The club is proud to work with many areas of society to improve social cohesion and social mobility and has strong partnerships with community groups including the Chapeltown Youth Football Development Centre and the Hamara Centre in Beeston.

“Leeds has a diverse, multicultural community and we are committed to supporting everyone who can benefit from a link with our football club.”

In the aftermath of the incident, Leeds owner Massimo Cellino said he would throw Bellusci out of the club if he was found guilty.

Cellino said at the time: ”Bellusci is no racist,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post. ”I spoke with him and he said ’you must be joking, I said nothing like this to him (Jerome).’ He is surprised by this. He is shocked.

”I don’t allow racists at this club and I won’t allow racists at this club ever. If one of my players is a racist, I’ll kick his a**e and kick him out before the FA has a chance.“

Bellusci is unavailable for Leeds’ clash with Brentford on Saturday as he is serving a two-match ban.