Peter Beardsley pulls out of Hong Kong Sevens tournament, where he was due to play alongside Newcastle United Under 23s, as he awaits outcome of hearing into charges of racism against academy players Peter Beardsley was due to play alongside Newcastle Under 23s in Hong Kong However, he has pulled out of the Hong Kong Sevens on even of tournament Beardsley is awaiting a hearing into charges of racism against academy players By Craig Hope for MailOnline Published: 11:51 BST, 15 May 2019 | Updated: 11:52 BST, 15 May 2019 Viewcomments Peter Beardsley has withdrawn from the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens on the eve of the tournament, Sportsmail can reveal. We reported on Tuesday evening that he was set to take part alongside Newcastle United Under-23s this week, with the Football Association yet to confirm a date for his hearing into three charges of using racist and abusive language towards the club’s academy players. But Sportsmail understands Beardsley informed organisers on Wednesday that he would not be attending, just 24 hours before the start of the prestigious competition. Peter Beardsley has withdrawn from Newcastle Under 23s amid facing racism charges Beardsley’s planned presence had been a cause for concern and arrangements were made so that his PlayOn Pros masters team did not come into contact with Newcastle’s players when leaving or entering the pitch at the Hong Kong Football Club. The PlayOn team, which is put together by Viv Anderson and includes David James, Darren Bent, Michael Gray and Emile Heskey, have also been forced to relocate from the Park Lane Hotel where Newcastle and all other participants are staying. Their squad is now one player short. The news will come as a relief to Newcastle’s players and staff, who were nervous about crossing paths in the coming days. Beardsley - who has denied the charges - had his contract terminated as Under-23s coach in March after a 14-month investigation into claims brought by several players. It will come as a relief to Newcastle’s players and staff, who were nervous about crossing paths Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility