Barton jailed for six months

[marty davidson]

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has been jailed for six months after admitting assault and affray.

The Newcastle United midfielder was arrested in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of 27th December after becoming involved in a confrontation outside a McDonald's restaurant.

Barton, who has one England cap, admitted the charges last month and he has now been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.

Following his arrest Barton came under the care of Tony Adams' Sporting Chance clinic, in a bid to deal with his problems with alcohol as part of his bail conditions.

He returned to action with Newcastle on 29th January and enjoyed an impressive end to the season in helping United up the Premier League table.

Barton was arrested along with his brother Andrew, who was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and Nadine Wilson, 27, who was charged with common assault and affray.

In another case in Manchester, he is due to stand trial accused of assaulting his former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo in a training ground incident in May last year that effectively ended his career with the club. He has pleaded not guilty.

[-zuco-]

Haha nice one, he fully deserves it. He's a thug
and has no place in society, never mind a football
pitch. He should have got longer than six months.

[abojodeh]

:(
i realy like barton but he always gets in fights
its not fair
lui fab was about to kill a player and he only got a 3 match ban
its not fair 6 month too long :(

[dlan4327]

:(
i realy like barton but he always gets in fights
its not fair
lui fab was about to kill a player and he only got a 3 match ban
its not fair 6 month too long :(

Sorry Abo but I fully agree with Zuco on this one. ;) It doesnt matter how good Barton is, and we know he's a good player.

He's just got to much baggage and way to many perosonal problems/issues to ever realise his talent.

I would've thought Newcastle could've figured that out before wasting their money.

[abojodeh]

Sorry Abo but I fully agree with Zuco on this one. ;) It doesnt matter how good Barton is, and we know he's a good player.

He's just got to much baggage and way to many perosonal problems/issues to ever realise his talent.

I would've thought Newcastle could've figured that out before wasting their money.
:rolleyes: barton a flop ?
no way he played good in every match
newcaslte didnt waste money
if he stops his idiot act he would be a newcastle legend he is young a talented

[reddwarf]

Well deserved imo. He's a thug on and off the field.

I wonder what the likelihood of him being released early in time for next season is.

[Jazz 16]

Well deserved imo. He's a thug on and off the field.

I wonder what the likelihood of him being released early in time for next season is.

Agreed.....
though it has to be said he is a great player (well for Citeh he was anyway)

He served a bit of time over Xmas didnt he? so that will be knocked off the time...
and 6 months usually means 2/3 anyway so I could see him out for next season,
though he wouldnt be match fit or anything.

[cjl_safcfan]

bring back hanging for him...i despise(posh word for me) the little (swear words)

[RedForceRising]

I really hope it is a cold, unpleasant prison, full of dangerous, hurting criminals who are sexually deprived!

I think that Joey Barton is less than dog excrement and looks too much like the Gallgher bros from Oasis. He should be jailed for that alone.

[RichardsReds]

Newcastle's Barton jailed for assault and affray

Updated: May 20, 2008, 10:12 AM ET
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Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was today jailed for six months for assault and affray.


The former Manchester City player had admitted his part in a street attack in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27 last year.


Judge Henry Globe QC, at Liverpool Crown Court, told him it was a 'violent and cowardly act'.

Newcastle issued a brief statement this afternoon that gave little away as to their response.

The statement said: 'Newcastle United notes the sentence passed to Joey Barton at Liverpool Crown Court today.

'The club is considering the verdict and will be making no further comment at this moment.'

Barton, 25, of Foxbank Road, Widnes, was caught on CCTV knocking an unidentified man to the ground.

He then straddled the man, and punched him four or five times as his cousin threw food at the victim before Barton punched him up to 15 times more.

Minutes later, the player attacked a 16-year-old, punching him and leaving him with broken teeth.

It followed a series of verbal confrontations inside a McDonald's restaurant after a night out during which he had consumed 10 pints of lager and five bottles of lager.

Barton's cousin, Nadine Wilson, 27, of Childwall, Liverpool, and his brother Andrew Barton, 20, also of Foxbank Road, Widnes, also pleaded guilty to their part in the assaults.

The incident took place as the player was awaiting trial for two other offences: alleged criminal damage of a taxi and the alleged assault of former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo, 31, who now plays for Lazio.

The hearing heard the footballer was remorseful about the incident and had admitted to an alcohol problem.

Judge Globe told him: 'Without doubt, the most serious of the three offenders is you.

'You were restrained by others but ignored them and acted in an extremely violent and aggressive manner.

'It also happened at a time when you were on bail for two other matters. If ever there was a time when you should be on your best behaviour, it was then.

'You have a high profile as a footballer and you know that draws attention to you. Yet you drank to excess and behaved in an aggressive, disgraceful manner.'

The judge jailed Barton for six months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and four months, concurrently, for affray.

He was ordered to pay £2,500 to Jordan Spencer, the youth whose teeth were broken.

As he was taken down, Barton kissed Wilson on the cheek and shook his brother's hand.

He then stopped to hand over pieces of jewellery to a man in the public gallery.

The sentence leaves Newcastle in a difficult position as they attempt to find a way forward.

Whatever the moral issues of retaining the services of a man with a criminal record for a violent offence, there are financial implications to consider.

Barton cost the Magpies £5.8million in June last year when then manager Sam Allardyce thought they had got a bargain as his time at Manchester City drew to a close following an alleged assault on team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

He was handed a five-year contract and the chance to relaunch his career on Tyneside.

A fractured metatarsal and a lack of form on his return to fitness meant Allardyce never really reaped the rewards of his investment, and it was only after Kevin Keegan's arrival at St James' Park that he returned to anywhere near his best.

However, today's development means Barton's value in cash terms has plummeted and even if Newcastle did decide to offload him, potential takers would be understandably wary of the baggage he brings with him.

The Magpies will also be acutely aware there could be a reaction too within the dressing room, but perhaps more importantly, with potential transfer targets this summer.

The fans, too, have grown weary of seeing their club's name dragged through the mud, and although they forgave Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer for their infamous on-field bust-up, Barton might have to win them over all over again if he remains at Newcastle.

Keegan, of course, knows Barton well from his time at Manchester City, and only a few weeks ago praised him for the way he had coped with the impending court proceedings.

He said: 'I think Joey can be really pleased with his performances and the way he has handled a tough situation.

'Only those close to him know how tough it has been. It's of his own making, of course, but what he has done here is win over the fans.

'He has certainly won over a lot of his team-mates, who didn't know quite what he was like before.

'I think he has handled it as well as you could expect, and his performances have been outstanding when you consider the things at the back of his mind.

'I think he will be proud of himself in that respect.'

Barton started 12 of the club's final 14 games of the season and only missed out on the other two at Liverpool and Everton because the terms of his bail conditions prevented him from returning to the city centre where his offence took place.

But whether or not he has pulled on the black and white shirt for the final time remains to be seen.

[RichardsReds]

So he gave the boy whos teeth he smashed £2,500

Big woop.

A footballer should be made to pay more like £5-10k. £2,500 does nothing for him. Is this justice?

[burnzy1987]

Haha nice one, he fully deserves it. He's a thug
and has no place in society, never mind a football
pitch. He should have got longer than six months.
took the words right out of my mouth.

[haggler]

barton is a yob from a long line of yobs . prison wont change him one iota . i only hope newcastle sack him and nobody else touches him with barge pole

[SALFORD RED]

And to make the day a little better for everybody.

The nice Mr Barton has been refused early release
from prison as he is considered unsuitable for it. :D

Rot in Strangeways Barton !!!! :D

.

[RichardsReds]

Yeah here is the story


Premier League - Barton denied early jail release
Eurosport - Thu, 10 Jul 15:54:00 2008

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will have to serve up to another month in prison after being denied an early release.

More StoriesBolton deny interest in Barton
Newcastle United team page
Barton, 25, had hoped to be freed early next week after being given an electronic tag forcing him to observe a curfew.

But the England international has been deemed ineligible for an early release as he is a violent offender who committed his last offence while on bail.

Barton will now miss most of pre-season while he is held in Manchester's notorious Strangeways jail - home to some of Britain's most violent drug dealers and gangsters.

The footballer pleaded guilty to assault and affray at Liverpool Crown Court after punching a man to the ground and pummelling his victim up to 20 times with his fists in an attack caught on CCTV in the city centre last December.
He was jailed for six months on May 20, but it was thought he would only serve one third, or eight weeks and be released early, around July 15, with an electronic tag to monitor his movements.

But probation and prison officials, in line with Ministry of Justice guidelines, have now ruled Barton was not suitable to be released early with a tag given his past crimes.

The Ministry of Justice would not comment on the terms of the player's release.

However, sources confirmed he was denied a tag and must now serve another four weeks in jail.

Barton was also handed a four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, after a separate conviction for a "ferocious" training ground attack on former Manchester City colleague Ousmane Dabo, which left his victim unconscious and bleeding.

AFP


He deserves what he's got and he put himself there. I have no respect for him and cannot see him turning into a nice guy.

[Forever_United]

i'd pay to jump on his face. little scally ***** thinks he's 10 men. i'd have him easily ! i hate over confident little scallys like him.

[The_Red_Prince]

he had it coming.He got in too many fights and brawls that if the law was'nt going to catch up to him,Dabo would so he is safer on the inside.............................. i think

[RichardsReds]

i'd pay to jump on his face. little scally ***** thinks he's 10 men. i'd have him easily ! i hate over confident little scallys like him.

says the guy with his pimpin picture! haahaa

[frenchie]

good job too..perhaps he'll think first next time.

[spellbound]

Barton released from prison

Joey Barton has been released from Manchester prison after serving just 10 weeks of a six-month sentence.

The 25-year-old was found guilty of assault and affray on May 20 after attacking a man in Liverpool city centre late last year.

Barton has also been convicted of an assault on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo and was given a four-month suspended sentence.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has pledged to welcome the troubled Barton back into the first-team fold, saying he deserved a "second chance".

"My view is to give him another chance and back him. He has served his sentence, he's been punished for what he did wrong," Keegan told BBC Radio on Sunday.

"The world is littered with people who deserve a second chance, got that chance and took it with both hands. I said I would stick by him and I intend to do that," Keegan said.

Barton, who has one England cap, joined Newcastle United for £5.8 million last July after the Dabo incident effectively ended his career with Manchester City.

"Joey will be back with us towards the end of this month," said Keegan.

"It's well documented he's had his problems, but I knew of them when I took over. He's served his sentence, he's been punished for what he did wrong."

Reuters

Cant we have a betting on how soon Barton will get back to jail? :D

[abojodeh]

Hooray Hooray Barton Is Back Hooray Hooray :) :) :)

[spellbound]

Hooray Hooray Barton Is Back Hooray Hooray :) :) :)

HAHA Abo...but you wont Hooray when he kicks your head off. :rolleyes:

Seriously, if any kind of people should be jailed for life Barton have most of the
'qualities' required.

[abojodeh]

I dont think barton gona some thing bad again
lets forget about his attitude out of the field and focus how much he will benefit NewCastle

[spellbound]

I dont think barton gona some thing bad again
lets forget about his attitude out of the field and focus how much he will benefit NewCastle

Yeah right! LOL

If you say that again this thread will go to joke section. ;)

[abojodeh]

keep his cousin away from him and barton will be ok :D
plus of he had a good form i think he will focus on is form

[spellbound]

keep his cousin away from him and barton will be ok :D
plus of he had a good form i think he will focus on is form

His career in football will be like a sparkler. Only last for a short period. After that, he'll be only a thug. Now he's at least a footballing thug. Not that anything better.

A thug in a football shirt is still just a thug.

[manutd004]

Daily Express

KEEGAN’S STANDING BY BAD BOY BARTON

Monday July 28,2008
By Niall Hickman

http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x214/54280_1.jpg
BARTON: Massive boost

DESPITE turning himself into a full-time thug and occasional footballer, Joey Barton has been handed yet another chance by Kevin Keegan.

Newcastle manager Keegan can do little wrong on Tyneside as he is a revered figure for his exploits both as a player and a boss, but on this occasion he will leave fans spluttering into their brown ale.

Barton is currently behind bars serving a six-month sentence for beating up a teenager last December in an incident which was caught on CCTV and showed him repeatedly punching his victim in the head.

Such images could have persuaded Keegan and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to tear up Barton’s contract. But instead the player has been handed another chance to stay out of trouble and remain with the club.

Keegan told Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: “My view is to give him another chance and back him. He has served his sentence. He has been punished for what he did wrong.

“The world is littered with people who deserve a second chance, got that chance and took it with both hands. I said I would stick by him and intend to do so.”

Barton is due to be released in the next few weeks, even though he was also convicted earlier this month of another assault and handed a suspended four-month sentence for knocking out former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo in a training session last year.

Barton, who has one England cap, joined Newcastle for £5.8million last July after that Dabo incident persuaded City to sell.

Earlier in his career Barton stubbed out a cigar in trainee footballer Jamie Tandy’s eye and was sent home from a tournament in Thailand for assaulting a 15-year-old Everton supporter.

In 2006 he bared his backside to Everton fans, but a year later came on as a 78th-minute sub for England against Spain.

Even with the Dabo court case hanging over him, he had the temerity to criticise Newcastle fans last season for not backing then-manager Sam Allardyce.

He missed most of the second half of the season while in jail on remand after the December incident in Liverpool which resulted in his prison sentence.

This could all have ended with his contract being torn up by Newcastle. Instead, Keegan has decided to take the lenient route. That, though, is not a policy which will be universally supported on Tyneside and there are elements on Ashley’s board who have yet to be persuaded it is the right one.

Ashley himself will have the final say and a lot might rest on whether Barton, upon his release, will take a pay cut.

But Barton is unlikely to be enthusiastic about a drop in his £35,000-a-week wages, so despite Keegan’s backing he may already have played his last game for Newcastle.

Saturday’s pre-season friendly resulted in a 1-0 loss at Doncaster, where Keegan handed a trial to Metz central defender Sebastien Bassong.

Striker Alan Smith said: “We had a lot of players missing and we have a depleted squad in terms of numbers.

“To see people missing in pre-season, that’s the biggest worry. But if we can get all those players fit, it will make a big difference.

“Near the end of last season, we were fortunate to have just about all of our players fit and we put a decent run together. We need to get them right for the start of the season.

“Realistically, for this club, the top half of the table is a must.

“When you look around the dressing room the quality is there. But football now is more and more of a squad game, where the number of players at the club is important. At the moment, we have not got that available.

“If you look at the team we had to put out at Doncaster, there were probably two or three young lads who the gaffer would not ideally want.

“I am sure the gaffer would rather be working towards getting the settled team that he wants against Manchester United as that is only three weeks away.” Despite failing to score a single goal last season, Smith wants the chance to shine up front.

“I would like to think that this season might be different,” said Smith. “The gaffer knows where he wants to play me and if he is going to play me up there, I am going to have to start scoring goals.

“I am going to have to start playing as a centre-forward like I did when I was at Leeds and when I first went to Manchester United. I know I can do that.

“I would enjoy an extended run at centre-forward and everyone knows that is probably my best position.”

================================================== ========

This is disgraceful tbh.

How many chances is he going to get?

And how long is it before everyone realises that hes just a bad egg, and that this is sending out the wrong message?

[spellbound]

This is disgraceful tbh.

How many chances is he going to get?

And how long is it before everyone realises that hes just a bad egg, and that this is sending out the wrong message?

Maybe Kev aims for an early exit from Newcastle.
A mate told me Kev have told Gazza is welcome to work as a coach or something like that in the club. :rolleyes:

[-zuco-]

Hooray Hooray Barton Is Back Hooray Hooray :) :) :)
The man does not deserve to be free.

He certainly does not deserve a 'hooray' from a United fan.

[reddevil11]

The man does not deserve to be free.

He certainly does not deserve a 'hooray' from a United fan.

Well said Zuco :)

Abo i am still worried about u :p

[antdevil78]

what message are newcastle united sending out to kids who want to become footballers or just life in general.

barton should never play football again. harsh, but needs to give a message.

[Keano016]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k290/scott1999/untitled-9.jpg

[piazza]

Says the guy who puts cigars out in people's eyes and beats 15 years olds. I hope he gets raped in prison. He's a pure scouser through and through.

[RedMurph7]

If Newcastle had any sense they would of ripped up this thugs contract.

[andersons_left_foot]

he really dont desurve to still be a football player the fact hes still playing is saying that he can get away with the stuff he does which aint fair at all

[piazza]

If Newcastle had any sense they would of ripped up this thugs contract.
If you're at all surprised by the lack of sense that the Geordies have, you clearly must not remember them: Hiring King Kev, Buying Michael Owen, and handing the Armband to a one Alan Smith.

[SALFORD RED]

Newcastle have vowed to stand by Joey Barton
following the midfielder's release from prison earlier this week.

The same cannot be said of his sportswear backer Nike
who have pulled the plug on his £40,000 annual boot sponsorship deal.

A spokesman said: "While Joey is a talented footballer,
we cannot condone or accept what he did."

It's a move that has been greeted with approval by
Toon season-ticket holder Bern Douglas.

"If only Newcastle had the same guts.
I certainly don't want him back at the club.
He is a disgrace."

.

[MagicScholes18]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k290/scott1999/untitled-9.jpg

:D Absolute class!! ;)

[thekeanefella]

joey barton is a mentalist he should have gotten a ban on top of his prison sentence.

the only reason newcastle havent dumped him is due to the pay off he would have to get, he is protected by european employment law.

i hope he gets kicked around all this season, he is scum and football does not need his sort in the game.

[SALFORD RED]

Newcastle's Barton could face lengthy ban

Joey Barton has been charged by the FA 15 months after the incident with Ousmane Dabo. Photograph: PA

The Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following his assault on Ousmane Dabo 15 months ago. The 25-year-old was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, on July 1 after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on his former Manchester City team-mate during a training session in May last year.

The new charge from the FA comes as a result of that hearing at Manchester crown court after football's governing body received all the relevant documentation from the case. Barton has until August 13 to respond to the charge. There is no maximum sentence which could be issued to Barton by the FA and, given the severity of the attack on Dabo. a lengthy ban and possible fine would be the likely outcome were he found culpable.

The case will be heard by an independent regulatory commission on an as yet unspecified date.

.

[piazza]

Newcastle's Barton could face lengthy ban

Joey Barton has been charged by the FA 15 months after the incident with Ousmane Dabo. Photograph: PA

The Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following his assault on Ousmane Dabo 15 months ago. The 25-year-old was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, on July 1 after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on his former Manchester City team-mate during a training session in May last year.

The new charge from the FA comes as a result of that hearing at Manchester crown court after football's governing body received all the relevant documentation from the case. Barton has until August 13 to respond to the charge. There is no maximum sentence which could be issued to Barton by the FA and, given the severity of the attack on Dabo. a lengthy ban and possible fine would be the likely outcome were he found culpable.

The case will be heard by an independent regulatory commission on an as yet unspecified date.

.
Good. Should be a lifetime ban.

[scott 4 evra]

Joey Barton speaks of his "hell"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The first day's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in, hand you your uniform and force you to pose for the photographer while loads of fat, tattooed, skinheads shout abuse at you. That's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it. That's when it hits home. That's when you realise.........you've signed for Newcastle.


poor bloke

[abojodeh]

Joey Barton speaks of his "hell"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The first day's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in, hand you your uniform and force you to pose for the photographer while loads of fat, tattooed, skinheads shout abuse at you. That's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it. That's when it hits home. That's when you realise.........you've signed for Newcastle.


poor bloke
lmao :p
did he realy said that ?

[manutd004]

Joey Barton speaks of his "hell"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The first day's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in, hand you your uniform and force you to pose for the photographer while loads of fat, tattooed, skinheads shout abuse at you. That's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it. That's when it hits home. That's when you realise.........you've signed for Newcastle.


poor bloke

:p

Great stuff ;)

[spellbound]

Bad boy Newcastle star Barton in trouble again as former team-mate sues over nightclub assault more than three years ago

Shamed Newcastle footballer Joey Barton faces more legal action - three-and-a-half years after he stubbed out a cigar in a team-mate's eye.

The midfielder, who was recently freed from prison after he was convicted of assault, is set to be hauled back before the courts after former Manchester City team-mate Jamie Tandy decided to sue.


Tandy, now 23, was permanently scarred after the incident in 2004. But now he claims the fracas sent him on a downward spiral, which saw him turn to drink and even attempt suicide.

It is understood that legal proceedings have yet start, but Barton's solicitors have been informed.

Barton, then a first team star at Manchester City, and Tandy, a youngster on the verge of breaking through, were at the club's Christmas party where they had an argument.


But the row escalated and resulted in Barton sticking the cigar in Tandy's eye. He was fined three weeks' wages, £60,000, and just avoided being sacked by the club.


Tandy, who suffered no permanent damage to his vision, went on loan to a Danish club where he broke his leg, leading to the end of his professional football career.

The young player was released by the Blues but turned to booze and tried to kill himself by crashing a car into a lamppost.


The father-of-two said legal action 'has been a long time coming' and added: 'I don't see why he should get off scot-free while I'm left with nothing.'


The decision to sue Barton emerged at Manchester Magistrates' Court, where Tandy, from the Whitefield area of the city, appeared on two charges of drink-driving.


He admitted driving with excess alcohol on August 3, but denied a similar offence in February.


He pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and insurance and is on bail until September 11.

Barton, now at Newcastle United, was released from jail last month after assaulting a man in Liverpool.


He was also given a suspended sentence in July after pleading guilty to assaulting another team-mate, Ousmane Dabo, in training.


Tandy, who is working for a window cleaning company, is expected to sign semi-professional terms with Hyde United.


Barton's agent, Willie McKay, said he was 'unaware' of the pending legal action.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1045193/Bad-boy-Newcastle-star-Barton-trouble-team-mate-sues-nightclub-assault-years-ago.html

[SALFORD RED]

And more good news for our lovely friend Mr Barton.

A further 6 match ban, with 6 more suspended, for his assault on Ousmane Dabo whilst a city player.

Couldn't happen to a more deserving person. :D
.

[Ritesh MU]

well his best place is jail

[Boomhauer50]

barton is some scumbag lock him up and throw away the key

[spellbound]

I want to be role model - Barton

Controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, 26, hopes he can transform his reputation and become a role model.

Barton was jailed for assault and banned for attacking a team-mate and says he is in "the last-chance saloon".

He told BBC Sport that because of his experiences he may be able to reach out to people, saying: "Hopefully I can be the role model I've never been."

"My reputation will precede me until the day I die and for some people that can't come soon enough," he added.

Barton, who was jailed for assault and affray earlier this year, could return to action against Sunderland on Saturday after finishing a six-game ban for assaulting Ousmane Dabo in 2007 when he was at Manchester City.


"There's going to be young kids who look at the likes of Michael Owen and Beckham, who are unbelievable professionals, squeaky clean, and they can't relate to them," Barton told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I've met people on the street, met people while I was in prison, and they can relate to you.



Barton has turned a corner - Kinnear
"When I speak from experience about the things I've done wrong in my life and how I've tried to change them, I think they respect that.

"Hopefully I'll be able to reach them people who, maybe before, were a little unreachable."

Barton was released from prison in Manchester three months ago and began his comeback in a reserve fixture for Newcastle on Tuesday.

He said he deserves "every bit of criticism that was labelled at me".

"I've had more chances than anyone deserves. It's last-chance saloon and I'm just thankful to have that chance," he added.

Barton, who is getting support from the Sporting Chance clinic, conceded many of his problems have been alcohol-related but said he has not had a drink for 10 months and is optimistic about his recovery.
"The main thing for me is staying sober. I feel so good about the future. If I could go back and change things I would but I can't," he said.

"All I can do is do what's in the future and try to help or soothe or repay my debts for what I've done wrong."

Barton was last in first team action when he came off the bench in what proved to be Kevin Keegan's last game in charge, the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on 30 August.

He stressed he was desperate not to let down all those who had shown faith in him and emphasised his hopes to be "a shining beacon for kids who had been in trouble".
"The last 18 months have been hell," he said. "I got out of jail, got back to St James's Park, was booed by the fans and wasn't playing particularly well.

"I somehow felt the strength to come through it and start putting in some performances. But you don't just come out of prison and see the light - it's a work in progress.

"All I wanted to do all my life is play football - I live and breathe the game.

"As soon as I get back on the football pitch I will endeavour to give my all - I always give everything.

"For what I lack in ability - and all kinds of other things - I try to make up for with hard work and that's all I can do."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7685293.stm

He never stops shocking me! :eek:

[SALFORD RED]

He told BBC Sport that
"My reputation will precede me until the day I die and for some people that can't come soon enough,"


He never stops shocking me! :eek:

Well, He got one thing right anyway !!

He's a total and utter ***** and should never be allowed on ANY football pitch again in his life.

.

[Jazz 16]

Maybe Im too soft, but I think he should get a last chance. I saw his interview and it seemed legit enough.
If he messes up again then that should be it. Just let him get on with his football.

[spellbound]

Maybe Im too soft, but I think he should get a last chance. I saw his interview and it seemed legit enough.
If he messes up again then that should be it. Just let him get on with his football.

I think he's just saying what he think we want to hear. But for his sake and everyone around him I hope he grow up and change.

[spellbound]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/11/05/article-1083101-0258870F000005DC-628_468x301.jpg

Newcastle star is accused after Aston Villa 'race row'

Aston Villa are examining television pictures to establish if Gabriel Agbonlahor was racially abused by Newcastle’s Joey Barton on Monday.

Villa, who were beaten 2-0 on Tyneside, asked Setanta for a DVD of the Barclays Premier League game. It is alleged that Barton made an insulting reference to the Villa striker during a heated exchange. Although referee Steve Bennett failed to mention any incident — and the FA confirmed last night that nothing was included in his official report — Villa are reviewing the footage.

The complaint may depend on whether Agbonlahor wants to take the matter further. Villa are aware of the storm it would cause if they demanded action without any firm evidence to support their case. Then it could be theword of one player against another.

If proved, it would be yet another chapter of shame for Barton, who was jailed for six months in May for assault and was banned by the FA for 12 games after a training ground attack on Ousmane Dabo while the pair were at Manchester City.

An FA spokesman said: ‘We are aware of the rumours and have had a number of calls on the subject. We take seriously any allegations of racist abuse and will act accordingly if we receive any official complaint from Villa.’

Sportsmail contacted Newcastle last night but the club refused to comment.

Newcastle moved off the bottom of the table thanks to two second-half goals from Obafemi Martins. Their victory was the second in a week at St James’ Park under interim manager Joe Kinnear.

Barton has escaped FA punishment for appearing to take a swipe at Agbonlahor in Monday’s fiery match. Barton, later booked for a high-studs tackle on Luke Young, pleaded his innocence over the spat with Agbonlahor.

He said: ‘I thought it was a foul against me and I had a hold of the ball. We shook hands after the game. People are making a mountain out of a mole-hill. With the referee, linesmen, the fourth official and all the cameras, you know you cannot raise your hands these days — and at no stage have I done that.’

Agbonlahor’s agent Tim Webb knew of the accusations but said: ‘I have not spoken to Gabby.

‘It was a day off for him on Tuesday because he has such a hectic schedule with Villa and his mobile has been turned off. I am aware that Villa are looking into the accusations.’

A Setanta Sports spokesman confirmed: ‘Villa requested the footage to see what was said.’ Barton is understood to deny the allegation.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1083101/Newcastle-star-accused-Aston-Villa-race-row.html

FA decide not to take any action against Barton after receiving ref Bennett's report on Agbonlahor spat

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will face no action for flicking out a hand at Gabriel Agbonlahor in their clash with Aston Villa on Monday night.

The Football Association have confirmed that referee Steve Bennett had not seen the incident, in which the 26-year-old caught the Villa man in the face after conceding a disputed free-kick.

However, having been asked to look again at Barton's actions, Bennett decided
that the incident would not have resulted in a red card and therefore there were
no grounds for a retrospective charge to be brought.

more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1082963/FA-decide-action-Barton-receiving-ref-Bennetts-report-Agbonlahor-spat.html

Barton in 'big lips' race row

(...Lip-reading expert Terry Ruane added: “Agbonlahor makes a face seemingly by thrusting his bottom lip at Barton, as if to suggest Barton is behaving like a baby.

Barton slaps his face around the lip and says, ‘Pack it in, f*****g lip’.

The player points to Barton and looks away in amazement.

“Barton walks off saying, ‘F**k it’, then moves his finger round his mouth appearing to say, ‘F**k your big lips’.” After the match Barton insisted: “We shook hands after the game and that’s the way it is. It was all about nothing.”

Just weeks ago Barton claimed he would become “a shining beacon for kids” like David Beckham.
...)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1894083.ece

[martinutd]

If he broke the law he must pay the penalty

[dlan4327]

I don't get it. If he's been sentenced when does he actually go to jail?

[VaVaVoom]

Barton is a model alright........ for ASBO kids