Bellamy takes swipe at Souness

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness will demand an explanation from Craig Bellamy over the striker's apparent foul-mouthed tirade following his substitution in the 1-1 draw at Charlton yesterday.

But he stared disbelievingly at the Newcastle bench when his number was held up by the fourth official in the 66th minute of the Premiership match.

As he reluctantly jogged off, Bellamy was caught by television cameras mouthing: 'Why me? You f*****g p***k' in the direction of the touchline.

The abuse towards his manager comes in the wake of Bellamy's reported unhappiness at being given a wide midfield role when Patrick Kluivert, who missed yesterday's game through injury, is fit to partner Alan Shearer in attack.

Souness insisted he had not seen Bellamy's defiance but confirmed he would study video footage before taking the matter any further.

Souness said: 'I will look at that and I'll ask him if it was directed at me. If it was, I'll let you know what happens. 'Being substituted is the price of the ticket at a top club. If you're a top player, you're going to have a big ego and you have to be prepared to be subbed. If you get too many wrong as a manager, you're looking for a new job.