0
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will be banned for three matches after accepting a Football Association charge of violent conduct on Thursday.
Barton struck Blackburn’s Morten Gamst Pedersen in the stomach during Wednesday’s match, sending the Norway midfielder to the ground.
The 28-year-old Englishman received an automatic three-game ban after accepting the charge, meaning he will miss the Premier League games against Fulham, Bolton and Chelsea.
“I fully accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and accept the charge that the FA have brought against me,” Barton said.
“I would like to apologize to (manager) Chris Hughton, my teammates, our supporters and of course to Morten Gamst Pedersen and Blackburn Rovers.”
Barton has previously stubbed a lit cigar in a youth player’s eye, assaulted a 15-year-old fan, been fined and suspended while at Manchester City for assaulting a teammate and spent 77 days in jail in 2008 for an attack.
In his statement on Thursday, he added: “This season, I have really been enjoying my football and although I have been on the receiving end of a few robust challenges, I have, up until now, remained calm in the face of provocation.
“But I hold my hands up, I reacted badly to the situation on Wednesday night and I deeply regret it. I have been working very hard to keep that side of my game under control and I think it has showed in the way I have been able to get on and enjoy my football this season.” – AP
