His first game back after several months out with a foot injury and what does Joey Barton do? Yes, the Newcastle midfielder receives a straight red card for a challenge on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, however that's not all.The 26-year old has now been banned by the North East club until further notice for the tackle which Alan Shearer described as "stupid" at the time. The club who look destined for the Championship had this to say : "Joey Barton has been suspended from the club until further notice. The club will be making no further comment at this time."
You may remember me saying a few weeks ago that I thought Joey Barton could be the man to help save the Magpies from the drop. Well how wrong was I?
So what now for the former England international?
Well, I can't see him remaining a Newcastle player for too much longer. Despite all the bad press he gets, I still think he is quite a decent player. He had one or two outstanding years at Manchester City and if he can reproduce that kind of form, as well as keeping his mouth shut, I feel he would be a cracking signing for anyone of the promoted sides, i.e Birmingham or Wolves.
What do you think? Was the tackle really that bad? Are Newcastle right to ban Barton? Comments below please.
