It’s not as though the likes of Stuart Pearce, Sam Allardyce and Kevin Keegan haven’t afforded him more lives than a cat already, but you just suspect that the latter of the trio will end up telling Barton he’s on his last warning (for the umpteenth time) and that he’ll start the new season as though nothing has happened.
When in fact plenty has happened to Barton in the last two years, which has culminated in a judge describing his actions as nothing short of a disgrace. Which is not really a matter of opinion when the player pleads guilty to assaulting one of his team-mates. The Sun reports that the Newcastle striker had the book thrown at him in court.
Judge Khokhar said: “I am sure you realise it was disgraceful behaviour on your part towards your colleague. The aggravating feature is that he got trouble from someone that he least expected it from – a team-mate.
“You’re in the public eye. You want to be setting an example, particularly to those who idolise you.”
What’s your verdict Newcastle fans? Do you want this player out of your club or can he still play a part for the Magpies? Since the latest unsavoury incidents, Barton has been attending a clinic to try and overcome his errant ways, but can this particular leopard change its spots or is it too late?