Former Newcastle United coach Peter Beardsley, 58, has been suspended from all football activity for eight months following an FA investigation. Three charges of using racist and abusive language were upheld against the ex coach. Newcastle United legend Peter Beardsley has been suspended from all football activity for 32 weeks after an FA disciplinary committee found him guilty of using racist and/or abusive language towards Under-23 players. The 58-year-old left his post as reserve-team coach in March following a 14-month period of gardening leave, during which time an internal investigation into his conduct took place. Allegations, which Beardsley has always strenuously refuted, were lodged by several Academy players, most notably by former winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni. The FA charged the former England international with three breaches of FA Rule E3 following the conclusion of initial disciplinary proceedings by Newcastle United FC into allegations of misconduct. In other news, Steve Bruce and the players are preparing for an important Premier League fixture against Brighton at St James' Park on Saturday.