FOOTBALLER Lee Bowyer plans to challenge moves to prosecute him over his on-field scuffle with Newcastle United team-mate Kieron Dyer.

Northumbria Police yesterday announced that, after considering advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, it was decided to summons the midfield player to appear at the city's magistrates' court on a charge under the Public Order Act.

The force said it would be taking no action in respect of Dyer.

But it emerged last night that 28-year-old Bowyer, who has earned a "bad boy" reputation after a series of on and off-field incidents during his career with Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Newcastle United, will contest the decision.

His lawyer, Steve Barker, said they planned to challenge the attempted prosecution by seeking a judicial review, because they were concerned the decision was taken "for political, rather than legal reasons".

He questioned whether or not it was in the public interest to prosecute his client, given the fact he had already been disciplined, including a heavy fine and ban, by his club and the Football Association.

Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Mr Barker said: "It's our intention to have the decision to prosecute him reviewed judicially in the High Court.

"I am going to argue that the decision to prosecute Lee Bowyer should be reviewed judicially and looking at whether this is in the real public interest to do this."

The incident, near the end of the Magpies' 3-0 Premiership defeat to Aston Villa on April 2, not only stunned the 52,000 crowd at St James' Park, but also the sporting world, as television footage of the incident was widely broadcast.

Both players were separated by other footballers, but the pair were immediately sent off by referee Barry Knight.

United manager Graeme Souness summoned both to the post-match press conference, where they shook hands and issued public apologies, a scene repeated at the club's training ground two days later.

The club imposed a record fine of six-weeks' wages, believed to be in the region of £200,000, and a final warning over Bowyer's conduct, although Dyer won the support of both Souness and United chairman Freddy Shepherd over his role in the incident.

The Football Association banned Bowyer for four games, and Dyer was given a three-match suspension.

A United spokeswoman said yesterday the club was unable to comment because the matter would involve Bowyer appearing in court, at a date yet to be fixed.

Bowyer, who recently moved from his home in Felton, Northumberland, is now believed to be living in Kent.

He was yesterday linked with a possible transfer to Bolton, following previous speculation about him returning to his former club, Charlton.

Newcastle United Independent Supporters' Trust chairman Frank Gilmour said he believed the issue had been dealt with and was surprised legal action was being taken.

He said: "He's been heavily fined by the club and banned, and most people thought it was finished.

"The fact he's going to end up in court might make other players think twice about their conduct on the field."

Bowyer is not the first player to face prosecution over his on-field actions.

Ex-United centre forward Duncan Ferguson, now with Everton, was jailed for three-months for headbutting Raith Rovers defender John McStay while playing for Glasgow club Rangers, at Ibrox, in April 1994.

He went on to serve 44 days in the city's notorious Barlinnie Jail after failing in an appeal before senior Scottish judges.