Barton behind bars

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will spend New Year in jail after being arrested on charges of common assault and affray (similar to disturbing the peace). Barton appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court where it was disclosed that he and a group of friends were allegedly involved in two separate incidents following a dispute with another group inside a McDonald’s restaurant on Church Street.

Also charged were Barton’s brother, Andrew, (bodily harm and affray) and Nadine Wilson (common assault and affray), who was also part of Barton’s group. Barton is expected to remain in police custody until January 3rd when he is due to make his next appearance before the court. This means that he will undoubtedly miss Newcastle’s next two matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.

It’s another in a long series of problems for Barton who seems to be a magnet for trouble. I’d seen an interview with him where he had attempted to explain his past incidents from his point-of-view and I had gained a bit of sympathy for him but now I find myself doubting him yet again. It’s sad to see, as like him or not, he can be a talented contributor when his head is focused on the game. I just hope that he can get the guidance and counselling he needs to start making smarter choices in his life.