Academy coaches may film training sessions to protect themselves out of fear of being accused of bullying Academy coaches are looking to protect themselves from bullying accusations Some discussed wearing cameras and microphones during training sessions Football has been hit with a number of high-profile bullying cases in the last year Craig Bellamy and Peter Beardsley both lost their jobs over bullying incidentsBy Adrian Kajumba For The Daily Mail Published: 22:30 BST, 23 May 2019 | Updated: 22:35 BST, 23 May 2019 Viewcomments Academy coaches are so fearful of being accused of bullying that some have even discussed wearing cameras or microphones in training sessions to help protect themselves. Football has been hit with a number of high-profile bullying cases in the last year, but there have also been incidents where no wrongdoing has been found yet a cloud has been left hanging over a coach's name. Current concerns about safeguarding are not just worrying players, clubs and parents, but individual coaches too. Craig Bellamy lost his job as Cardiff academy coach after an investigation into bullying claims And that has led to private suggestions from some in youth football that using recording devices such as cameras or hidden microphones — similar to those used by the police — to capture their interactions with players might be a good starting point to support their cases if issues are raised. Such an idea would be far from straightforward to implement. There would be legal and safeguarding issues to overcome, due to the age of the players involved. Critics of the idea also point out that some of the alleged mistreatment could take place away from recording devices or be silent — for example a player not being picked for reasons other than their football ability. Peter Beardsley had his contract terminated after investigation into racism and bullying claims The suggestion alone though, highlights the concerns that are spreading among those involved with the development of young players. Former England star Peter Beardsley had his contract terminated by Newcastle after an investigation into allegations of racism and bullying revealed by Sportsmail. The former Under-23s coach now faces three FA charges of using racist and abusive language towards academy players. Sportsmail also revealed this month that Craig Bellamy will not return to his position as Cardiff Under-18s coach after being accused of bullying, intimidation and xenophobia. That investigation is ongoing. Watford parted company with coach Darren Sarll in February following a club probe sparked by complaints about his treatment of some of their young prospects. West Ham coach Mark Phillips (right) has avoided sanction after a verbal attack on a teenager Other coaches have been cleared after internal investigations. Crystal Palace's respected academy director Gary Issott was cleared to return to work this month after the Eagles looked into claims of inappropriate behaviour towards members of their Under-18 team. One Premier League club dropped a bullying case after it emerged the complaint against one of their coaches was made by a disgruntled parent. An investigation was also launched at a Championship club after a complaint from a parent about language the coach considered industrial but normal in a football environment. Sportsmail also revealed this week that West Ham coach Mark Phillips avoided punishment following a verbal attack on one of his Under-18 players after they missed a penalty. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility