Dyer feared the worst from fans

KIERON DYER believes his scrap with team-mate Lee Bowyer last week could have been “the final nail in my Newcastle coffin” had the Newcastle supporters not forgiven him for the incident.

Dyer has also criticised the FA for refusing to overturn his suspension for the incident, which will keep him out of Newcastle’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United next weekend.

Dyer was sent off for his part in the now infamous tussle with Bowyer in the 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa on April 2. The midfielder has spent most of this season trying to win over the club’s supporters after they turned on him when he fell out with former manager Bobby Robson for refusing to play out of position.

And he admitted yesterday the reaction of those same supporters was crucial in deciding his future at St James’ Park. Both Dyer and Bowyer received a standing ovation from the crowd in last Thursday’s UEFA Cup quarter final clash with Sporting Lisbon.

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

“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 have already forgiven Lee for what happened. As far as I am concerned, it is all forgotten,” he said.