Football: Le Saux apologises to Fowler over elbowing

GRAEME LE SAUX has written a letter apologising for lashing out at Robbie Fowler with his elbow during last Saturday's 2-1 win for the London club.

Le Saux was reacting to gestures made by Fowler, and the Professional Footballers' Association chief executive, Gordon Taylor, has called on the Liverpool striker to follow suit and apologise.

As a result of the incident, both players have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association, who last night welcomed Le Saux's attempt to heal the rift. "Anything that helps resolve any possible problems between the two players is to be welcomed," he said.

Fowler responded to the apology with a statement in which he said: "The incident during last Saturday's match at Chelsea in which I was elbowed on the back of the head by Graeme Le Saux was highly regrettable. Graeme may have misinterpreted my actions, which were not intended to cause any offence, and it is unfortunate that attempts have been made by others to make me the scapegoat for what took place."

Le Saux and Fowler were involved in a running battle throughout the 90 minutes, which led to both players being booked after Fowler showed his backside to Le Saux when the Chelsea full-back was preparing to take a free-kick. After that, Le Saux appeared to elbow Fowler in the back of the head. The match officials missed the incident but it was seen on the television replay of the match.