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Football

21st Aug 2018

Lee Bowyer and Steve Evans clashed on the touchline during Charlton vs Peterborough

The managers almost came to blows on the touchline during Charlton vs Peterborough and had to be separated by the match officials

Reuben Pinder

Who would you back in a fight?

Some people say the lower leagues are boring. That the football is ugly. And that it is not worth watching. Well, to those people I pose this question: do you see Lee Bowyer and Steve Evans squaring up to each other in the Premier League? You do not. Mainly due to their managerial skillsets being suited to the lower leagues, but still. Managers almost coming to blows is almost exclusive to the football league. Tonight gave us a classic of the genre.

As Charlton and Peterborough played out a dull first hour, Lee Bowyer, who would never fight anyone on a football pitch, and Steve Evans, famously a manager keen to avoid confrontation, almost came to blows.

As described on BBC Radio 5Live’s commentary: “It’s all kicking off on the touchline, plenty of jibes being thrown between Lee Bowyer and Steve Evans, the Peterborough United manager. Bowyer has then gone and confronted the fourth official, Steve Evans has walked all the way – best part of 10-15 metres – just to add a little bit and the fourth official has told him to go away. The referee’s got involved, he’s then carded Lee Bowyer. And it’s all sort of calmed down for the time being, but then another meaty challenge came in, and they were at it again. Still 0-0.”

Incredibly, no red cards were shown. A late Peterborough penalty converted by Jason Cummings ensured that the Posh took all three points in the end.