Dyer 'forgives Bowyer' over brawl

Bowyer grateful for fans' support

Newcastle's Kieron Dyer insists he has forgiven Lee Bowyer for the pair's brawl in the match against Aston Villa.

Dyer lost his appeal against a three-match ban over the incident while Bowyer is suspended for four matches.

"I have already forgiven Lee for what happened. As far as I'm concerned, it's all forgotten," the midfielder told the News of the World.

"I have been forgiven a lot of times in my career so it would be hypocritical if I did not forgive someone as well."

Dyer also dismissed as "nonsense" rumours over the reasons for the fight, which ranged from a feud over Bowyer's girlfriend to Dyer placing a bet that he wouldn't pass to Bowyer during the game.

Dyer has no kind of positive impact on our play whatsoever - he can't pass, shoot, tackle or head the ball! From Stew Have your say on 606

"There was no row between Lee and myself before the game - we are friends," Dyer added.

"The only time we have had a row was when he didn't pay me the money he owed me at cards!

"It was heat-of-the moment stuff. I read Lee had split up with his girlfriend, but as far as I am aware, they are still together. It's ludicrous.

"It is just people making things up. I have known Lee since he was at Leeds.

"I got to know him really well. We became friends.

"Then we signed for Newcastle, I treated him like a friend and made sure he was all right. And we are still friends now - even after the incident."

Bowyer grateful for reception

The pair were given a standing ovation when Bowyer came on for Dyer during Thursday's 1-0 Uefa Cup win over Sporting Lisbon.

And Dyer, who incurred the wrath of Magpies fans after refusing to play on the right wing against Middlesbrough earlier in the season, believes that reception has also secured his own future at the club.

"If I had been booed on Thursday, I think it would have been the final nail in my Newcastle coffin," he added.

"I admit I was nervous before the Lisbon game because I did not know what sort of reaction I would receive.

"Thankfully, the supporters were fantastic and I am very grateful to them.

"I was delighted with the reception we got. I now feel confident we have a future here."