Race fears rise as Bowyer signs for West Ham

Lee Bowyer yesterday completed his move from Leeds United to West Ham United as racial equality groups warned that the deal would threaten to increase tension in the East End of London.

In an eventful day for the midfielder he was also banned for six matches by European football's governing body, Uefa – a punishment over which he may appeal – for stamping on a Malaga player, Gerardo, during a European tie in December.

"It is a deal which will polarise football fans and increase tension," said Suresh Grover, of the National Civil Rights Movement. "It will lead to an increase in racial abuse." Letters have been sent to West Ham's chairman, Terence Brown, and to the various bodies which help to fund the club's work in the community protesting at the signing.

A civil rights demonstration is being considered before Bowyer's debut for West Ham against Newcastle United on Saturday, although it is feared such a move may simply inflame the situation.

The 26-year-old signed a six-month deal for an undisclosed fee, which is thought to be around £300,000. His contract is understood to include a £1m bonus payment if he helps the club he supported as a boy – and where his cousin is an apprentice – to stay in the Premiership.

Bowyer tried to diffuse the situation last night by telling the West Ham website that he felt like he was coming home. "At the end of the day I am a footballer and I am coming here to play football so I want to be judged on that," he said. "I just get on with it and don't bother talking to many people press-wise and I will let my football do the talking.''

But Bowyer has been a hugely controversial figure both on and off the pitch and the move represents a major gamble by the club – which has done much to build relations with the ethnic communities in east London after years of a difficult relationship. It is also a risk for their manager, Glenn Roeder, who faces an uncertain future.

Bowyer was found guilty of affray in a fast-food restaurant not far from West Ham just after signing for Leeds in 1996, when he became Britain's most expensive teenage player. He was tarnished as a racist after the incident and the accusation resurfaced during his trial just 13 months ago for an alleged attack on an Asian student. Although he was acquitted – with the judge stressing it was not a racist incident – there was widespread condemnation of his behaviour.

Bowyer did not help matters by initially refusing to accept a club fine and then falling into dispute with Leeds over who should pay his £1m legal fees. A schedule of repayment has now been agreed.

The deal represents poor value for Leeds, who almost sold Bowyer to Liverpool for £9m last summer. That transfer fell through as the player wrangled over his wages, prompting Gérard Houllier to question his commitment.

Bowyer, who would have become a free agent in the summer, informed Leeds after Christmas that he had no intention of signing the contract they had offered him. Leeds are looking to reduce their wage bill and decided to try and achieve a fee – however small – for Bowyer who has played no part in the club's recent revival. The midfielder is undoubtedly a talented and competitive player, but he has a reputation for a mean streak which is evident in the 75 yellow cards and two reds he has amassed in his career. He was capped by England earlier this season but it is rumoured that Sven Goran Eriksson has not contacted him since.

However, West Ham are optimistic the deal can work and Jermain Defoe – who played in the same youth team as Bowyer – said he did not believe the player was "some kind of madman".

The former West Ham player Trevor Brooking, a director of the club, told Radio Five Live: "Lee has had a pretty torrid couple of years and his form has dipped. Playing-wise he should be at the very top because he's got confidence in his ability."

Bowyer's agent, David Geiss, refused to give details of the contract but claimed: "Lee had many lucrative offers from other clubs but felt he's like to do something for West Ham and agreed to come and join them. He supports the club and is glad to be back in east London." Quite how glad east London is to see him will become evident on Saturday.

THE BOWYER STORY

1977: Born London, 3 January.

1994: Joins Charlton Athletic as trainee.

1994-95: Makes League debut.

1995: Suspended and ordered to undergo rehabilitation after Football Association drugs test shows traces of marijuana in his blood.

1996: Makes England Under-21 debut. Moves to Leeds Utd for £2.7m, a British record for a teenager at the time. Fined £4,500 after admitting affray at a McDonald's restaurant in London.

1997: Captains England Under-21 side.

2000: Charged with causing grievous bodily harm and affray following attack on Asian student. Denies charges. Not included in England squad for Euro 2000 because of pending court case.

2001: On trial at Hull Crown Court. Trial collapses following appearance of prejudicial article in Sunday newspaper. Judge orders retrial, which starts later same year. Found not guilty on all charges of causing grievous bodily harm and affray. FA announces Bowyer is available again for England.

2002: Placed on Leeds transfer list in May after turning down offer of five-year contract. In July Liverpool announce they have agreed fee with Leeds, but Liverpool pull out of talks with Bowyer after manager Gérard Houllier questions whether he has the "hunger or desire to play for the club". In September makes full England debut against Portugal.

2003: Linked with move to Birmingham City, but joins West Ham instead.