Bow ban stands

Lee Bowyer's rash challenge on Xavi Alonso has definitely now cost him a three match ban, now that his appeal against the Boxing Day red card at Anfield has been dismissed.

Unfortunate for Bowyer perhaps, but we have the consolation of knowing that for today's game against Spurs we have the in-form Parker back to fill that central midfield role. When we’re up against the likes of Edgar Davids, Geordie Michael Carrick and old boy Jermaine Jenas, Parker’s presence is vital.

The timing of Bowyer's suspension means that it's perfectly possible that he won’t play for the club again. A cause for rejoicing or lament? Well, personally speaking I’d be very happy if he never pulled on a black and white jersey again. That he’s never reproduced his Leeds form on Tyneside has no influence over my feelings – which are that he’s an overpaid thug who we should never have signed and who has let us down time and again with his poor discipline, most blatantly last April with the on-pitch fracas with Dyer. It’ll be good riddance as far as I’m concerned.