Leeds United midfielder Lee Bowyer has been charged with ‘unsporting behaviour’ after his apparentstamp on Malaga player Gerardo in last week’s 2-1 UEFA Cup match.

Bowyer appeared to stamp on Gerardo as he lay on the pitch and after exammining video evidence of the match, UEFA have charged the controversial midfielder.

But no punishment will be imposed on him until the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body hold a meeting.

A UEFA statement said: ‘UEFA has instigated disciplinary proceedings against the Leeds United midfield player Lee Bowyer for unsporting behaviour in last Thursday’s UEFA Cup match against Malaga.’

Speaking after the day after the game, Leeds manager Terry Venables admitted: ‘I’ve seen the Bowyer incident now and I’ve spoken to him.

‘He’s said to me that he did put his foot on his head, and if he does that he’s got to be big enough to take responsibility for it. If he’s admitted it himself then he has to take what comes to him.’