Lee Bowyer has pleaded not guilty to a public order offence after his on-pitch drama last year.

It was another no-show in court for Newcastle midfielder Bowyer, 29. He entered the not guilty plea through his solicitor, Angus Ashman.

The footballer is alleged to have attacked Dyer during the team's 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on April 2.

Bowyer was charged with a section 4 public order offence after the match, fined six weeks wages and received a four match ban after bringing shame on the club.''

The charge states that Bowyer intentionally caused harassment, alarm or distress to Dyer.

Mr Ashman, representing Bowyer, said: "The position this morning is we are here for a not guilty plea to be entered in Bowyer's absence."

His no-show yesterday had been approved by the court prior to the hearing.

A pre-trial review will take place on 18 April at 10 o'clock, expected to last half an hour.

Newcastle magistrates agreed that Bowyer did not have to attend the next court date.