Premiership: Leeds drop Bowyer appeal

Leeds have dropped their appeal against Lee Bowyer's European ban.

Bowyer was banned for three matches after being caught on television stamping on Valencia striker Juan Sanchez in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Leeds appealed but Uefa said they would hold a formal hearing at a later date.

Peter Ridsdale and David O'Leary both planned to attend the hearing in person to represent Bowyer, who insisted the incident had been accidental.

They have dropped the appeal and it means O'Leary will have to plan for the start of next season's campaign without both Bowyer and Alan Smith, who also has a three-match suspension to serve.