Robbie Fowler last night insisted he has been made a scapegoat in the wake of his clash with fellow England international Graeme Le Saux, who earlier yesterday had sent a letter of apology to Fowler.

Both players spoke of their regret yesterday over the incidents during Chelsea's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last weekend when Le Saux responded to Fowler's goading by lashing out with an elbow.

The English Football Association charged both men with misconduct but Fowler said last night his actions during a running battle with Le Saux "may have been misinterpreted" by the Chelsea defender.

Fowler responded to Le Saux's letter - in which he apologised unequivocally for his attack - with a statement which read: "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 since the game by others to make me the scapegoat for what took place.

"I would like to think that this is the end of the matter and I look forward to the opportunity of playing alongside Graeme in future England matches."

The FA welcomed Le Saux's initial attempt to heal the rift. Spokesman Steve Double said: "Anything that helps resolve any possible problems between the two players is to be welcomed."

In a statement issued on behalf of Le Saux by Chelsea, the fullback said: "I recognise that the use of elbows can be dangerous and I should not have reacted in the way I did.

"People in all walks of life occasionally face provocation, and deal with it.

"I realise I have to deal with it in a more mature manner. I accept that I will face punishment from the FA, and I recognise now that I was lucky not to have been sent off for the way I reacted."

As to whether Le Saux's letter would be taken into consideration by the FA, Double added: "A disciplinary hearing will present the opportunity for them to state their cases."

Le Saux and Fowler were involved in a running battle throughout the 90 minutes as the game threatened to boil over at Stamford Bridge.

But it was as the Channel Islander lined up to take a free-kick that Fowler's actions led to a confrontation. Le Saux was preparing for the set-piece but the Liverpool striker bent slowly down and waved his backside in the defender's direction.

Incensed, Le Saux called for the match officials to intervene and was promptly booked.

Later, the England full-back was caught by television cameras elbowing Fowler to the floor but referee Paul Durkin, the linesmen and fourth official Dermot Gallagher all missed the incident.

The FA studied video evidence collected from BBC Match Of The Day cameras before charging both players with misconduct in midweek.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor had earlier urged Fowler to follow Le Saux's example and say sorry for his provocative behaviour in the hope that the unseemly row could be put to rest.

But Fowler's indignant response tonight suggests that he still feels he has done nothing wrong.

"I want them both to then put this behind them," said Taylor.

"I have spoken to Robbie, explained the problem and underlined that we have not taken sides in a one player versus another row."