Joey Barton’s off field conduct has been extensively documented in the past and once again his behaviour has inhibited his profession. It was confirmed on Wednesday that Barton had been refused entry to the United States due to his criminal record; therefore he will take no part in Newcastle’s pre-season tour.
On his twitter page Barton stated he was refused as US Embassy rules state he must have ‘5 years clean’. Three years ago in 2008, Barton was jailed for assault in Liverpool and then given a suspended sentence for his actions in a training ground scrap with Ousmane Dabo. In Barton’s words then; ‘2yrs to go’.
This inability to fully prepare for the new season is his fault. However, having followed him closely from when he first broke through, his career has saddened me more than left me critical and blameful. The potential and his form during 2002 until 2007 with Manchester City is something I feel is unfairly neglected by the majority of the press and indeed supporters.
In particular the 06/07 campaign during which Barton essentially carried Manchester City was perhaps his best for the club. That season the club managed only 10 goals at home all season, with European non-starters Bernado Corradi and Georgios Samaras putting on some of the worst forward displays in the Premiership. Samaras though technically gifted lacked consistency whilst Corradi despite previously having a solid scoring record seemed off the pace and unwilling to physically compete.
This left Barton to finish the club’s top scorer with 6 goals. Moreover that season, he was defensively brilliant, breaking down opposing teams play when it became clear Dabo, though experienced was incompetent in the Premiership. His passing was penetrative and his disciplinary record slightly worse than average with 10 yellows and 1 red. However given Barton’s combative playing style and the fact that he was one of the very few to display commitment and determination, this seems excusable.
Barton received a deserved England call up and replaced Frank Lampard to make his debut against Spain in February 2007. Truthfully without the takeover by Thaksin Shinawatra City could well have suffered relegation after allowing Barton to leave for Newcastle.
For Newcastle Barton has been a steady performer, not contributing as many goals as perhaps he would like, but defensively committing and occasionally playing class, inventive balls. As well as him being used as a utility player who can play central midfield or on the wing, his desire to play is noticeable.
His actions off field then have been truly deplorable and his outspoken nature raised many eyebrows, especially when he publically slated the likes of Gerrard and Lampard for underperforming. In his defence though his words had elements of truth and it was perhaps his manner and brand of brutal honesty that exacerbated his perceived over arrogance and disrespect.
Having only amassed 3 red cards throughout his Premier League career, his disciplinary record statistically is acceptable but the focus on some truly horrible challenges he has put in constantly overshadows this.
In summary it seems a shame that this once promising English midfielder has constantly allowed his personal problems to overrule his better judgement. The fact his behaviour afflicts his professional opportunities is disappointing despite his many alleged revelations. As he matures further he may be able to recoup and channel some of the brilliance he had when he was younger, however at 28 it will have to be soon if it’s at the top level.
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Joey Barton has done nothing wrong for over 3 years now. He now does endless work for charities, and his playing abilities have hit their peak. He is now the ultimate pro, albeit with a checkered past.
Too bad the yanks wouldn’t let him in to play football in our pre-season games, 3 weeks after he was there on holiday. Big deal.
Leave the bloke alone will you?
There is a thug playing for Man City who thoroughly deserves the non-stop attacks from media and other fans. DeJong’s on field psychopathy incredibly gets DEFENDED by the same hypocrites who go OTT with Barton.
Perhaps when he breaks one of the press’s fave players this may change instead of a young up and coming Newcastle star in Ben Arfa, eh ?
If it was perhaps Rooney, or their other young starlet Chickpea or whatever he’s called, maybe the press would think a two footed tackle that broke a leg in two places WASN’T a “fair tackle2 as they ridiculously said for the one which broke Ben Arfas leg (to go with the kung fu antics in the World Cup – but he doesn’t play for Newcastle, therefore no manhunt from the press)
No, lets keep it going against Barton. He’s been no worse than anyone, yet gets picked out. Rooney deliberately elbows a Wigan player – FA look the other way. Barton does the same with a Blackburn player, banned for 3 games
FA and Press – united in double standards.
It was potentially not made clear enough in the article, I wanted to point out that it was a shame his past actions can still have bearing on his career.
I dislike the amount of media negativity there has been around Barton, but wanted to present it objectively. To do this meant discussing his past.
If it wasn’t clear enough I apologise, cheers for your comments though!