Bowyer banned after losing appeal

Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer has lost his appeal against his sending-off at Liverpool on Boxing Day and will now serve a three-match ban.

The 28-year-old received a straight red card from referee Mark Halsey for serious foul play for a challenge on Xabi Alonso, and although he launched an appeal which would have made him available for last night’s postponed Barclays Premiership clash with former club Charlton, his case was rejected today.