Dyer and Bowyer face heat

Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer will be hauled before Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd today after their shocking brawl brought shame on the club.

Shepherd described the incident as the blackest day of his time as chairman and Bowyer and Dyer can expect at the very least to receive massive fines for the fight which resulted in both players being sent off during the 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday.

Police are also preparing to investigate the brawl and Newcastle captain Alan Shearer, who delivered supporters a huge lift last week by agreeing to extend his contract by another year, rounded on the players for dragging the club's name through the dirt again.

Shepherd said: "I am deeply embarrassed, hurt and angry. It was just unbelievable. I could hardly believe my eyes.

"It was a black day for Newcastle United and, speaking personally, the worst day I have experienced as chairman of this football club. I never thought I would see two of our own players fighting." Dyer and Bowyer are set to miss Newcastle's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United if they serve three-match bans for their red cards.

There was better news off the pitch as the club revealed a rise in profits of £635,000 for the six months to the end of January.