To call it a temper tantrum is to do it an injustice. What Lee Bowyer started on the hallowed St. James Park turf, and what Kieron Dyer partook in as well, was a disgrace. Both players brought shame to the jersey on that day fateful day against Aston Villa in April 2005, as the world stopped to laugh at the circus that was Newcastle United. Two grown men sent off, shirts torn, because one of them wouldnt pass the ball - the Toon Army didnt know whether to laugh or cry. The club were losing 3-0 to an average Villa side, with a disgruntled Toon support getting their backs up, when Bowyer finally lost his temper. Dyer had been seemingly ignoring him all game, refusing to pass the ball, when an enraged Bowyer threw a punch at him, leading to an embarrassing fracas. It was a farce that summed up a clownish season at St. James Park. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFLeTm46CqQ
''Ive never witnessed that, you see hard words between players in every game but its un unusual to say the least for it to lead to what happened today. Ive been reassured by Dyer he did not throw punches, but Bowyer is indefensible and he has to accept whatever punishment comes his way. - Graeme Souness, April 2005.
While the club fought to appeal Dyers ban, the instigator that was Bowyer was left to stew on the sidelines for a three-game ban, and was fined £30,000 by the FA and £200,000 by the club. Chairman Freddy Shepherd had confirmed that he had considered sacking the midfielder, stating that he should go down on his hands and knees in thanks that he still had a club. So that's a wrap - what do you think? Have there been any glaring omissions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
