Bowyer to appear in court over Dyer punch-up

Footballer Lee Bowyer was today summonsed to appear in court over a public order offence relating to an on-pitch bust-up with team-mate Kieron Dyer, Northumbria Police said.

Footballer Lee Bowyer was today summonsed to appear in court over a public order offence relating to an on-pitch bust-up with team-mate Kieron Dyer, Northumbria Police said.

No action will be taken against fellow Newcastle United player Dyer.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "After considering advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, it has been decided that Lee Bowyer will be summonsed to attend Newcastle Magistrates' Court at a date to be fixed for an offence under Section 4 of the Public Order Act and that there will no further police action in respect of Kieron Dyer."

The on-pitch fight between the England footballers was captured by television cameras and witnessed by 52,000 fans at St James' Park.

The fight, which marked a low point in Newcastle United's disappointing season, came towards the end of the team's 3-0 home defeat against Aston Villa on April 2.

Northumbria Police launched an investigation into the incident, which was broken up by team-mate Stephen Carr and Villa player Gareth Barry, after a member of the public expressed "concerns".

Both players were sent off by the referee and were subsequently banned by the FA.

Bowyer received a four-match ban because it was his second red card while Dyer was out for three games.

Bowyer was given a record six-week fine by his club, believed to be around £200,000, and a final warning.