Pitch fight lands Bowyer in court

The summons follows an incident in Newcastle's defeat to Aston Villa

England international footballer Lee Bowyer is to appear in court following an on-pitch fight with his Newcastle United team-mate Kieron Dyer.

Northumbria Police said the player had been summonsed following an alleged incident during a Premiership match against Aston Villa in April.

The player will appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to answer a summons under the Public Order Act.

Kieron Dyer will face no further action, police said.

'Real concerns'

Lee Bowyer's lawyer said the decision would be challenged.

Steve Barker said: "I've spoken with the player, his agent and the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) and as a result of this discussion, it's our intention to have the decision to prosecute him reviewed judicially in the High Court."

He added that the reason they had decided to challenge the police action was "because we have very real concerns that the decision has been made for political rather than legal reasons."

Mr Barker said that the footballer himself would not be making any comment.