Barton faces FA charge

ANY hopes Joey Barton had of enjoying a quiet pre–season were obliterated last night as the Football Association charged him with violent conduct.

Just three days after he walked free from Strangeways prison, the midfielder was back in the spotlight again for his training–ground assault on former Manchester City team–mate Ousmane Dabo – an offence to which he has already pleaded guilty in court.

Barton (25) was given a four–month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Dabo 15 months ago.

The FA were unable to launch their own investigation into the incident – of which there is no video footage – until the completion of the criminal investigation and court case.

But the decision to proceed with a case against Barton, who could face a ban and fine of unlimited scope, has angered Newcastle, who feel they are being penalised for misdemeanours they had nothing to do with.