Craig Bellamy is commonly described as a talented player with a bad attitude. While fans with Bellamy on their team love him, it seems opposing fans love to hate the Welshman.
It is true that throughout his career Bellamy has been no stranger to controversy. During his last spell as a Liverpool player Bellamy allegedly assaulted teammate John Arne Riise with a golf club. Rise’s crime was reported to be not singing a song on Karaoke.
Bellamy was also accused of sending abusive text messages to England legend Alan Shearer while the pair were teammates at Newcastle United.
Other incidents that have drawn media attention include slapping a fan who invaded the pitch, multiple spats with managers he played for and constant berating of referee’s and match officials. It is reported that after one game dealing with Bellamy, referee Mark Clattenburg asked the Manchester City coaching staff; “how do you work with Craig Bellamy all week?”
However, despite all the details listed above there is another side to Craig Bellamy that is barely ever reported, and it is far more significant in the grand scheme of things.
The Welsh international striker spends a large amount of his time off the field developing the game at grass roots level, and bringing hope to African youngsters through the Craig Bellamy Foundation (CBF).
Bellamy funded the CBF facilities that included dormitories for the children, catering facilities, classrooms and an artificial turf field.
The facilities are currently serving African youngster’s aged 11 to 14 and providing young players wit a chance to both further their skills and pursue an education.
“What matters for me most is their education and they’re doing very well in that area. The concept of education is first for me and football second.” Bellamy told BBC Sport.
Bellamy has also drawn lofty praise from both the Sierra Leone Football Association and Sierra Leone Sports Minister Dr. Minkailu Bah.
“We whole heartedly welcome the CBF Academy to Sierra Leone because we believe it is the best way to develop football. We’re convinced the CBF Academy will make an impact on Sierra Leone in the near future and that’s why my government provided Bellamy with massive land,” Bah told BBC Sport.
When you take the time to learn about the Craig Bellamy Foundation and the time and money the Liverpool striker commits to it, you see Bellamy in a whole different light.
While some of his actions receive deserved criticism, it is a shame the media are not as quick to point out the good things he does.
Maybe fans should see both sides before criticizing, and maybe next time Riise should just get up and sing!
Bellamy was also accused of sending abusive text messages to England legend Alan Shearer while the pair were teammates at Newcastle United.
Other incidents that have drawn media attention include slapping a fan who invaded the pitch, multiple spats with managers he played for and constant berating of referee’s and match officials. It is reported that after one game dealing with Bellamy, referee Mark Clattenburg asked the Manchester City coaching staff; “how do you work with Craig Bellamy all week?”
However, despite all the details listed above there is another side to Craig Bellamy that is barely ever reported, and it is far more significant in the grand scheme of things.
The Welsh international striker spends a large amount of his time off the field developing the game at grass roots level, and bringing hope to African youngsters through the Craig Bellamy Foundation (CBF).
Bellamy funded the CBF facilities that included dormitories for the children, catering facilities, classrooms and an artificial turf field.
The facilities are currently serving African youngster’s aged 11 to 14 and providing young players wit a chance to both further their skills and pursue an education.
“What matters for me most is their education and they’re doing very well in that area. The concept of education is first for me and football second.” Bellamy told BBC Sport.
Bellamy has also drawn lofty praise from both the Sierra Leone Football Association and Sierra Leone Sports Minister Dr. Minkailu Bah.
“We whole heartedly welcome the CBF Academy to Sierra Leone because we believe it is the best way to develop football. We’re convinced the CBF Academy will make an impact on Sierra Leone in the near future and that’s why my government provided Bellamy with massive land,” Bah told BBC Sport.
When you take the time to learn about the Craig Bellamy Foundation and the time and money the Liverpool striker commits to it, you see Bellamy in a whole different light.
While some of his actions receive deserved criticism, it is a shame the media are not as quick to point out the good things he does.
Maybe fans should see both sides before criticizing, and maybe next time Riise should just get up and sing!
