SOUTHAMPTON chairman Rupert Lowe is waiting before taking any possible action against the fan who ran onto the pitch and confronted Leeds goalscorer Lee Bowyer towards the end of Saturday's game at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.

The man ran onto the pitch from the Northam Stand as Bowyer was celebrating his 88th-minute winner.

Stewards and security staff managed to wrestle the man to the ground before he could get to Bowyer who, along with Jonathan Woodgate, had been targeted for abuse by Saints supporters. It followed the Leeds players' recent court case at Hull.

Team-mates Mark Viduka and Rio Ferdinand shielded Bowyer from the fan, who was then frog-marched off the pitch.

Lowe was very cautious about commenting on the incident. "We will wait to see what action the police take," he said. "We will then treat the incident in the normal way."

Asked if this meant the club would consider banning the fan for life from St Mary's, the Saints chairman added: "We will see what happens with the due procedure."

However Hampshire Police confirmed last night that no one was arrested or charged following the pitch protest.

It is the first time Southampton have had an incident of this kind at their new £32 million stadium. But it is sure to spark an enquiry from the Football Association, who will ask for comments from both clubs, as well as referee Mark Halsey.

Meanwhile, Dani Rodrigues is set for a second spell with Bristol City.

The 21-year-old midfielder is expected to go on loan to Ashton Gate for three months. Ironically, it was while on loan with Bristol City in October 2000, that the Portuguese player broke his ankle.

"It will give Dani valuable first team experience," added Lowe. "We have got a large first team squad, and some of the players are not playing enough football. The deal has not been finalised, but it should be completed shortly."

Lowe denied a report from Wales that Francis Benali, who celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday, was being lined up for a loan move to Cardiff City.