Former Carlisle United forward Peter Beardsley has vowed to return to football after he was today suspended from all football-related activity after being found guilty of making racist comments by an independent regulatory commission.

The 58-year-old, who started his career at Carlisle and who had denied the allegations, left his role as Newcastle's Under-23s coach earlier this year after an internal investigation and has now been banned from the game by the Football Association for 32 weeks until April 2020.

An FA statement read: "An independent regulatory commission has suspended Peter Beardsley from all football and football-related activity for a period of 32 weeks until 29 April 2020."

It continued: "The Football Association [The FA] charged Mr Beardsley with three breaches of FA Rule E3 following the conclusion of initial disciplinary proceedings by Newcastle United FC into allegations of misconduct.

"The FA alleged that Mr Beardsley used abusive and/or insulting words, which were contrary to FA Rule E3(1) and constituted an "aggravated breach" under FA Rule E3(2) due to reference of ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality, while employed as a coach of the club's Under-23s team.

"All three breaches of FA Rule E3 were denied but, subsequently, found proven based upon the results and findings of Newcastle United FC's disciplinary proceedings.

"Mr Beardsley has also been ordered to complete a face-to-face education course."

A formal complaint was made about Hexham-born Beardsley by midfielder Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, who has since left the club, in January last year.

It was alleged Beardsley used abusive and/or insulting words towards Newcastle's Under-23 players but he had denied the allegations.

In a statement released on his behalf by his solicitors, Beardsley spoke of his disappointment at the decision, but vowed to return to football.

It read: "Peter Beardsley is very surprised and disappointed by the decision of the regulatory commission.

"It was almost impossible for Peter to clear his name because of the serious flaws and contamination of evidence that occurred in the disciplinary process before Newcastle United and by the unusual fact that The FA rules put the burden of proof on him to prove his innocence in the proceedings.

"After a long process which has been unnecessarily protracted, Peter feels vindicated that the commission has expressly found that he is not a racist.

"Peter and his legal advisers have been inundated with support from all over the country, both from fellow professionals of the highest repute including John Barnes, Kevin Keegan, Les Ferdinand and Andrew Cole, as well as other football professionals including managers, coaches, players, and football fans, all of which provided unchallenged evidence to the commission as to Peter's good character, the fact that he is not a racist and whatever was said, there was no intent to cause offence."

It continued: "Peter has had many great years at Newcastle United and, despite the circumstances of his dismissal, he will always have the club close to his heart and wishes the fans the success they deserve in the future.

"Surprisingly, Newcastle United did not provide the relevant training and education for Peter. Peter has always been willing and eager to attend all and any training organised by the club.

"Peter fully appreciates all the support over what has been a difficult period for him and his family, particularly that of previous manager and colleague Arthur Cox.

"Peter has categorically denied the allegations throughout while continuing to honour the contractual obligations of confidentiality to Newcastle United and maintaining his silence which, in itself, has been very difficult.

"With no avenue left open to him to clear his name, Peter has no choice but to acknowledge the decision and now looks forward to moving on with his life and resuming his career.

"He shall respect the sanction imposed and looks forward to returning to work in football, which has been his life, at the end of his suspension."

Beardsley began his career with the Brunton Park outfit and went on to play for Vancouver Whitecaps, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, Bolton, Manchester City, Fulham, Hartlepool and Doncaster, as well as Newcastle during two spells with the Magpies.

On the international stage, he won 59 caps for England.