Bowyer and Dyer came to blows during a heated Premiership match against Aston Villa whilst playing for Newcastle. Both players were sent off for the incident and Bowyer was suspended by the FA and fined 6 weeks wages by his club.
Bowyers solicitor Steven Barker issued this statement:
“Lee has today pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.
“He was previously charged with a much more serious offence under Section 4 of the same Act but contested that charge.
“As a result the Crown and Prosecution Service sensibly dropped this charge and accepted Lee's offer of a plea.
“Lee offered the plea of his own volition so as to avoid what would have been a four-day trial involving a number of witnesses including his fellow professionals.
“He did not wish to bring the spotlight upon his fellow professionals for an incident which occurred over a year ago.
“The incident was blown out of all proportion. Far more serious incidents occur almost weekly in sport and go unpunished.
“Lee had already apologised for his action on that day as well as apologising personally to Kieron Dyer. He remains a friend of Kieron.
“He received a very substantial penalty from his employers at the time, Newcastle United FC, and subsequently a further penalty and fine from the Football Association.
“The total monetary fine was in excess of £250,000, excluding legal costs.
“Lee is looking forward to the new season with West Ham. He wishes to thank everyone at the club as well as his former colleagues at Newcastle and indeed Gordon Taylor and the Professional Footballers Association for their support in this case.”