CRAIG Bellamy fears he is becoming a marked man as he faces his latest battle with authority over a football association misconduct charge, writes Adam Murray.

The speedy striker could be hit with a two-game ban after the FA confirmed they would act following his behaviour at the end of the Tees-Tyne derby.

Bellamy was one of several Magpies' players who surrounded referee Andy D'Urso on the final whistle at the Riverside on March 5 - the Newcastle players were incensed that the Billericay official hadn't blown for a foul on Jermaine Jenas leading up to Geremi's winner for Boro.

Newcastle, and Bellamy, have been given a fortnight to respond to the charge, with the Wales international believing he is a victim of his reputation.

Bellamy said: "I feel as though I've been picked on because of my reputation and that is harsh. I'm annoyed about the whole thing, but I've just got to get on with it and play my football. I'm facing a misconduct charge which I just cannot understand.

"I cannot believe the referee has reported me and all I've been thinking about since I found out was what was I supposed to have done and what he says."

Bellamy was the star man at the Valley on Saturday running the Addicks defence ragged. He was fouled for the penalty that Alan Shearer converted for Newcastle's first, and then laid the second on a plate for Nolberto Solano.

The £6m signing from Coventry is likely to be hit with a ban and/or fine with a decision yet to be taken by Newcastle on the possibility of an appeal.

His manager Sir Bobby Robson refused to comment on the charge saying: "I just heard about the misconduct charge.

"I'll have to read all the reports before I can make any comment. We have two weeks to respond to it and we'll be reading all reports before we do."

Robson's advice for the fiery Welshman to 'count to ten' before reacting on the pitch appeared to be having the desired effect since his fourth minute dismissal against Inter Milan.

The sending off in Newcastle's first game in the second stage of the Champions League at St James' Park in November resulted in a three match ban - his second in Europe following his head butt on Dynamo Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghioane.

He has also been booked twice in the Champions League with the latest at the San Siro last week for diving.

But Bellamy has only received one booking in the Premiership this term and Robson added: "He's had his name taken so many times and we trying to counter that.

"He was unlucky to be booked at Inter."

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