Craig Bellamy explains his behaviour at Cardiff City after academy investigation

Craig Bellamy is determined to move forward following the conclusion of Cardiff‘s investigation into allegations of bullying and abuse against him and others.

The internal investigation, which was conducted by Cardiff’s head of safeguarding and overseen by a senior board member, highlighted ‘a number of significant concerns’ at the Sky Bet Championship club.

Former Wales star Bellamy stepped down from his position in January while the club conducted its investigation, and during June he signed a three-year deal to become the Under-21s coach at Belgian club Anderlecht.

Craig Bellamy is determined to move forward after the conclusion of Cardiff’s investigation

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Bellamy said: ‘The allegations of bullying and xenophobic behaviour made against me were difficult for me to come to terms with as I deplore bullying and any form of discrimination.

‘I am not the subject of any disciplinary proceedings which, of course, comes as an immense relief to me.

‘Whilst I have always categorically denied and disputed the allegations against me, the whole process was still very difficult to deal with and has resulted in a long period of self-reflection.’

It is understood no current academy coaches at Cardiff have lost their jobs in the wake of the investigation report’s findings.

Bellamy’s statement highlighted Cardiff’s investigation had ‘covered a lengthy period of time, including long periods when I was neither involved with the academy nor the club’.

HOW WE TOLD YOU FIRST 

Sportsmail broke the story on January 1, detailing how the accusations had been levelled at former Cardiff and Liverpool man Bellamy.

We revealed how an official complaint was in the hands of chairman Mehmet Dalman, and that chief executive Ken Choo would be examining the case immediately.

In a personal statement Bellamy confirmed he isn’t the subject of any disciplinary proceedings

The 40-year-old said he had ‘co-operated at all times with the investigation and answered every question that was asked of me’, adding he had ‘voluntarily removed’ himself from the Cardiff academy to allow the ‘full and robust investigation’ to be carried out.

Bellamy added: ‘As a player and now as a coach, self-improvement was always my aim. My love for coaching has not for a moment been diluted, but I accept the report highlighted aspects of my coaching skills that could perhaps be improved.

‘I have probably relied too much on my own life experiences playing under some of the best coaches in the world, rather than assessing the sensitivities of a new generation of players.

‘My only aim was to produce winners and if I upset any young players or their parents or if I was insensitive in any way towards their feelings, then that was never my intention. If I inadvertently offended anyone then I am truly sorry.’

Cardiff said the confidential investigation report containing the club’s conclusions and recommendations has been delivered to the Premier League, the Football Association, Football Association of Wales and their directors and statutory partners.

Bellamy hopes he can now move on from a difficult spell to further his career and is willing to take ‘additional recommended training’.

Bellamy, who stood down during the investigation, is now coaching at Anderlecht’s academy

He said: ‘My job is to develop promising young players and to build a winning team, ensuring that the young players reach the very pinnacle of their abilities.

‘I will strive for continuous personal improvement and development to ensure I become the best coach that I can be.’

Bellamy added: ‘Finally, I would like to thank my family and all the players and their families that have supported me and cooperated with the full and lengthy investigation.

‘I would like to thank Cardiff City and particularly the loyal supporters who have been unwavering in their support and also the players, their families and all the staff and owners at Anderlecht FC, who have shown faith in me and who have supported me during the last few months.

‘The support that I received was the only reason that I decided to carry on in football and as a coach. My focus now is to continue in the job and the sport that I love.’