Soccer star faces race offences

Craig Bellamy played for Wales against Azerbaijan

Wales and Newcastle football player Craig Bellamy has been charged with three racially aggravated offences following an incident at a Cardiff nightspot in March.

The 23-year-old striker faces one charge of using words or behaviour likely to cause racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.

He also faces two charges of racially aggravated intentional harassment.

He did not appear before Cardiff magistrates when the charges were read out on Tuesday.

Mr Bellamy, who is from Cardiff, was in his home city preparing for Wales' European Championship qualifying match against Azerbaijan when the incident is alleged to have taken place.

He voluntarily attended a police station soon after.

A file was later sent to the Crown Prosecution Service and a summons was then sent to Bellamy by post.

The case has been adjourned until July 10 when it is reported that Bellamy will be present.