Bowyer will appeal Anfield red card

NEWCASTLE midfielder Lee Bowyer has launched an appeal against his dismissal for a foul on Xabi Alonso during his side’s 2-0 St. Stephens’ Day defeat at Liverpool.

The 28-year-old was given a straight red card by referee Mark Halsey for a lunge, resulting in an ugly brawl that saw him pushed to the ground by Peter Crouch.

Manager Graeme Souness said later he had not seen the incident but suggested there might have been more than one sending-off, while the FA confirmed yesterday that Newcastle had appealed and that Bowyer's case will be heard today.

"The FA has received a claim of wrongful dismissal from Newcastle United relating to the sending-off of Lee Bowyer," said a statement on the FA's official website, www.thefa.com.

The move was confirmed by Newcastle, whose game against Charlton at St James' Park last night was called off.

The game at Liverpool where Bowyer almost transferred from Leeds in 2002 was his 83rd appearance for the Magpies since his free transfer to St James' Park in July 2003. The red card is his fourth in a black and white shirt, the first having also come at Anfield in a 3-1 defeat on December 19, 2004. Bowyer's time on Tyneside has rarely seen him reach the heights he attained during his peak at Leeds, where he helped David O'Leary's side reach the Champions League semi-finals with the best football of his career despite his well-documented off-the-field troubles.

Signed by Bobby Robson to a mixed reception from the club's fans, the Londoner's effort has never been in question, but the roles in which he has been asked to play have not always suited his style.

Bowyer has slipped down the pecking order since the summer arrivals of Scott Parker and Emre his place in the starting line-up at Anfield was down to former Chelsea man, Parker's suspension and his departure during the January transfer window would come as no surprise.

Souness has admitted the player is keen to return to his roots with Charlton and Birmingham among those maintaining an interest in his situation.

Meanwhile, teenage defender Steven Taylor, who re-dislocated his shoulder half an hour into Monday's game, is expected to undergo surgery to repair the damage within days.

The 19-year-old will be out of action for around three months.

Taylor had established himself as an automatic choice before he initially suffered his shoulder injury on U-21 duty with England.