Bowyer faces September court date over Dyer fracas

England footballer Lee Bowyer will appear before magistrates in September following an on-pitch brawl with a team-mate, it was announced today.

The 28-year-old will be summonsed to appear before Newcastle Magistrates Court on September 5 at 10am.

But the midfielder’s solicitor, Steven Barker, said he was still seeking a judicial review of the decision to prosecute his client, which may not be heard before the magistrates court date.

In that case, Mr Barker said he would apply for the case to be adjourned until after the High Court’s decision.

Mr Barker told the Press Association today: “I’m hoping common sense prevails.

“This is not an application we have made lightly – it is very well thought out by some very eminent legal minds.”

He believed Bowyer’s club fine of “more than a quarter of a million pounds” meant further punishment by the courts was not in the public interest.

The player clashed with fellow midfielder Kieron Dyer during Newcastle’s 3-0 by Aston Villa in April, and the incident was caught on television, as well as witnessed by 52,000 fans at St James’ Park.

Last month, Northumbria Police announced the footballer was to be summonsed to face an allegation under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.