Kieron Dyer believes he was used by Newcastle to defend team-mate Emre Belozoglu from allegations of racism because he is black.
Emre was charged with using racially aggravated language towards Everton defender Jospeh Yobo during a Premier League match on December 30, 2006.
Sportsmail reported at the time that Emre was alleged to have called Yobo 'a f****** n*****'. Yobo did not hear what Emre said but Tim Howard and Joleon Lescott accused the Turkey midfielder of abuse.
Kieron Dyer feels Newcastle chose him to help defend his team-mate Emre Belozoglu from allegations of racism because he is black
Emre (left) was accused of calling Everton's Jospeh Yobo (out of the picture) a 'f****** n*****'
Dyer recalls Joleon Lescott going 'f****** ballistic' at what Emre was alleged to have said
He was cleared in March 2007 and Dyer has explained how, in hindsight, he is uncomfortable with how he was used as part of Emre's defence.