Lee Bowyer has made an "unreserved apology" after a verbal spat with a West Bromwich Albion fan during the derby clash at The Hawthorns. The Birmingham midfielder was substituted by Blues boss Alex McLeish mid-way through the second half of Albion's 3-1 win to avoid the risk of him being sent off.
The former England player had just been yellow-carded following an ugly challenge on Baggies defender Gabriel Tamas.
Bowyer exchanged words with fans situated immediately behind the visitors' dug-out before moving to another seat.
An Albion supporter lodged a complaint with a steward over Bowyer's comments but the matter has been laid to rest after he said sorry.
A West Brom spokesman confirmed to Press Association Sport: "A fan made a complaint to a steward over comments made by Lee Bowyer after he had been substituted.
"But then Lee Bowyer made an unreserved apology to the supporter and that was the end of the matter."
McLeish said: "I just didn't want to take a chance. Lee is at a stage of his career where he is much more mature.
"He may have seen the game out but I didn't want to take the chance and get egg on my face.
"Then I think someone blasted Lee when he came off and I saw Lee trying to pacify them.
"I know there were some people having a go from the seats behind the dug-out."
