Controversial midfielder Lee Bowyer has been charged with "unsporting behaviour" by UEFA today for apparently stamping on Malaga player Gerardo's head.
Following a review of video evidence of Leeds' 2-1 UEFA Cup third-round second-leg home defeat by the Spanish side last Thursday, European football's governing body have started disciplinary action against Bowyer.
However, no punishment will be imposed on the 25-year-old, who has made one appearance for England, until January 8th when UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body meet.
Although Leeds manager Terry Venables initially defended him, he revised his decision after reviewing the match and dropped him to the bench for last night's 3-0 humbling of relegation rivals Bolton.
Bowyer looks set to be one of the players off-loaded by Venables when the transfer window opens next month as he seeks to reduce Leeds debt which is reportedly around £77 million sterling.
His contract runs out at the end of the season, and Leeds are hoping they can generate at least several million pounds for the player instead of being released on a free.
Bowyer has courted controversy on and off the pitch during his professional career and was acquitted last year of assault on an Asian student in which his team-mate Jonathan Woodgate was found guilty of affray.
AFP