Newcastle United were urged to investigate Peter Beardsley's treatment of academy players more than a year ago, Sportsmail has learned.
The club's Under 23s boss has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of racism and bullying.
The club's probe only began this week when Beardsley met managing director Lee Charnley and head of safeguarding Steve Swinyard and was presented with fresh accusations made by several academy players.
Sportsmail has been told that news of Beardsley's suspension was welcomed in a WhatsApp group used by the academy squad.