CONFUSION reigned last night as to whether Newcastle United football star Craig Bellamy will be charged over an alleged racist incident.

The 23-year-old striker voluntarily met police on Tuesday to discuss allegations surrounding an incident in the early hours of Monday morning, at the Millennium Plaza in Cardiff.

An Asian nightclub doorman has claimed he was the victim of racial abuse from the Welsh international.

Police yesterday seemed to confirm that Bellamy would face charges.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "A 23-year-old man has been reported for summons in relation to a public order offence. He is to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court at a date to be fixed."

But last night, Bellamy's solicitor insisted the player had not been charged with any offence. Graham Shear also said that his client had yet to receive a summons.

Mr Shear said: "Craig Bellamy was not charged following his meeting with police, as they have apparently decided that the decision whether to pursue matters should be made by the Crown Prosecution Service.

"And no summons has been received, as the matter is still under consideration.

"The authorities have yet to decide whether any further action should be taken."

Bellamy is in his home city preparing for Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier with Azerbaijan at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales boss and former Manchester United star Mark Hughes said he would have to assess the "physical and mental" state of the player before deciding whether to pick him for the match.