Lee Bowyer will have to watch Birmingham City v Reading from the sidelines
Apr 29 2009 By Colin Tattums
Lee Bowyer will miss Birmingham City's showdown at Reading after the appeal against his Preston North End sending-off was rejected by an FA regulatory commission.
If Blues end up in the Championship play-offs, Bowyer will also sit out both semi-final legs. Otherwise, the ban for violent conduct is carried over to the opening two games of next season.
Referee Phil Dowd, who dismissed Bowyer and Lee Williamson after their 61st minute tussle, made his report on the incident more wide-ranging than his comments when asked to explain at the game the reason for the red cards.
Indeed, at the time, Dowd tapped his head twice to indicate a butt - but it was nothing of the sort from either midfielder.
Alex McLeish said: “Lee went to see the referee and he told him he was sent-off for butting and the official appeared to indicate that at the time of the dismissal.
