Bowyer slams transfer list decision

Lee Bowyer has condemned Leeds United for putting him on the transfer list after he refused to pay a fine imposed for breaking club rules by drinking in public.

Bowyer was found not guilty of affray and grievous bodily harm in relation to an assault on Asian student Sarfraz Najeib but Leeds wanted to fine him four weeks' wages, around 80,000 pounds ($116,500).

He refused to pay it, prompting the club immediately to put him up for sale on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old later issued a statement, saying: "The club appears to be victimising me and forcing me out, having attempted to impose an unfair penalty by agreement.

"Leeds United have placed me on the transfer list against my wishes. This follows a club disciplinary hearing to which I was not invited.

"The club informed me that if I do not accept the punishment imposed, which is in excess of the PFA maximum (two weeks' wages), then I would not be selected for the first team and would be placed on the transfer list.

"I have not refused to work in the club's community programme. I have done so in the past and would continue to do so as part of Leeds United's normal programme.

"Given these circumstances, I could not accept the disciplinary findings.

"However, I wish to place on record that I still wish to play for Leeds United.

"Having been acquitted of both charges at my recent trial, I was hoping to put this matter behind me and focus on doing my best for Leeds United and the supporters."

Leeds have also fined Jonathan Woodgate, who was found guilty of affray at the trial, eight weeks' wages, which he has accepted, asking that the money go towards inner-city projects.

LEGAL COSTS
Both players were ordered to pay legal costs of their two trials -- the first was stopped earlier this year after a newspaper article -- estimated at one million pounds each.

Earlier on Tuesday Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale issued his statement giving details of the fines.

"The club acknowledges and accepts the verdict of the jury that Lee Bowyer was innocent of all charges," he said.

"Nevertheless, and in his own admission, he was under undue influence of alcohol in the city centre late at night, which is against the club's code of conduct.

"Leeds United has imposed a fine of four weeks' wages against Lee Bowyer, we would also insist that Lee work at the forefront of our community programme for the whole of the balance of his contract.

CONDUCT WARNING
"Lee has also been warned regarding his future behaviour both on and off the field.

"Regrettably, Lee Bowyer has refused to accept this club disciplinary sanction and has, therefore, been placed on the transfer list with immediate effect.

"Jonathan (Woodgate) will commit to work within our community programme. Jonathan has also been given a final warning regarding his future conduct."

O'Leary bitterly criticised both players over the weekend, saying they had spoiled the reputation of the northern English club, semifinalists in last season's Champions League.

"What did they think they were doing, boozed up and running through the streets?" O'Leary told the Sunday People. "They were inviting trouble. And, boy, did they get it.

"They have brought the good name of this club into disrepute.

QUESTIONS RAISED
On the pitch, Bowyer has become key to the Leeds midfield since joining as a teenager from Charlton Athletic for 2.6 million pounds in July, 1996.

He has played 239 league and cup matches for the club, scoring 34 goals, and has been a major influence in their climb back towards the top of the English game.

A skilled all-rounder who can create and convert chances when moving forward and tackle with aggression, Bowyer had been tipped for a place in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad after being cleared last Friday.

Off the pitch, the trial, plus a previous conviction for affray in 1996 when he was caught on video throwing chairs around a McDonalds restaurant, could deter potential buyers.

The trial at Hull Crown Court ended with Woodgate's friend Paul Clifford being sentenced to six years in jail after he was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.

Najeib, then 19, suffered a broken leg and a fractured cheek and nose in the attack and his family have said they plan to take civil action against the Leeds players and the club itself.

Also read: Woodgate avoids jail, Bowyer cleared