Joey Barton doesn’t know when to quit. After making a victorious start for the club in his first match back from suspension, Barton is now once again making the news for all the wrong reasons.
The 26-year-old was involved in a first half altercation with Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor in which Barton appeared to raise a hand to the striker and make contact with his face.
Referee Steve Bennett spoke to the player about the incident but took no action, but with television pundits analysing Barton’s tempestuous flick the authorities could be tempted to act.
Viewed in isolation the incident was a minor infraction, but given Barton’s high profile and that he has a six-game suspended ban hanging over him his behaviour could be seen as reckless. (ESPNSoccernet)
When is this ever going to stop? After viewing said incident, it doesn’t appear to be as bad as some are making it out to be. Barton seems to touch Gabby Agbonlahor’s face, but not to the extent that it looks like he was trying to shove him away. Considering the tight leash Barton is on, it’s not surprising to see him in the news for even the smallest infraction. Agbonlahor isn’t talking, and neither is Villa manager Martin O’Neill. Could it just be the press that’s trying to blow this out of proportion?
What do Newcastle supporters think of the incident? Did Barton do anything wrong?