FOLLOWING a personal hearing on Thursday, February 5, an Independent Regulatory Commission has announced its decision concerning allegations from Cameron Jerome against Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci. The allegations were made following Norwich City's match with Leeds at Carrow Road on Tuesday, October 21.

A statement from the Independent Regulatory Commission reads:

"Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci has had an FA charge against him found not proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

"It was alleged that during the Norwich City versus Leeds United fixture on 21 October 2014, Mr Bellusci used abusive and/or insulting words towards opponent Cameron Jerome contrary to Rule E3(1). It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) was an "Aggravated Breach" pursuant to Rule E3(2), as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.

"Mr Bellusci had denied the charge and requested a personal hearing."

The FA has itself issued the following statement:

"The FA has today issued the following statement in relation to the Giuseppe Bellusci case, as heard by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

"Director of Football Governance Darren Bailey said: "We acknowledge the decision and we'll take our time to assess and digest the reasons behind the verdict.

""We will of course await the written reasons of the Independent Regulatory Commission, but it remains essential that The FA continues to bring forward charges where we believe there is a credible case to answer.

""We fully and promptly investigated this matter from the moment it was brought to our attention and this underlines our commitment to the reporting process, which has been strengthened by both The FA and Kick It Out over recent years.

""We note that the Independent Regulatory Commission stated that the complainant was a truthful and honest witness.

""I would stress to any players involved in incidents where they believe discrimination has taken place to report it to us immediately. The FA has clear procedures on how to do this for those who wish to make a complaint."

A statement giving reaction from Norwich City will follow.

FA STATEMENT: JEROME & BELLUSCI

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