Carlisle United have confirmed that manager Steven Pressley, assistant Tommy Wright and director of football David Holdsworth will no longer take part in a charity night with Peter Beardsley at Brunton Park.

It follows the decision by the Football Association to charge Beardsley following an investigation into allegations of bullying and racism.

The former Blues star will still appear at tonight's charity sporting dinner.

Pressley, Wright and Holdsworth had also been due to appear alongside Beardsley for a Q&A session but United said this was no longer "appropriate" following the charges.

A Blues spokesman said: "Peter is a well-respected former Carlisle United player and a friend of the club. Tonight's IM Events-promoted 'Evening with...' was a sell-out reflecting that popularity.

"However, in light of today's developments, we agreed with Peter it was appropriate that our manager, assistant manager and director of football would no longer take part in the evening.

"We hope it is still a successful night for both Peter and IM Events."

The FA said today that they had charged Beardsley with three breaches of FA Rule E3.

The charges relate to his time as Under-23 coach at Newcastle, the club he left earlier this month.

An FA statement said: "It is alleged Mr Beardsley used abusive and/or insulting words towards Newcastle United FC Under 23 players, which were contrary to FA Rule E3(1), whilst employed as their coach.

"It is further alleged these words also constituted an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as they included reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality."

Beardsley has until Friday, April 12 to respond.

The 58-year-old, who started his senior playing career at Carlisle in a spell from 1979-82, left his role at St James' Park recently, having been on leave after an investigation into allegations was launched the previous year.

Newcastle did not comment on any outcome to their own 14-month investigation.

Beardsley has always denied the allegations and has continued with a number of speaking engagements.

At Gateshead recently he told the audience he was "not a bully or a racist".

Tonight's event, starting at 7.30pm, will raise money for Eden Valley Hospice and Carlisle United, with a pie and pea supper for guests.

A framed 1980 Carlisle shirt, signed by Beardsley, will be raffled.