Once again, football finds itself in the murky waters of the law. Joey Barton, jailed for six months for common assault, is still under contract with Newcastle United, but should he be allowed to return to top-flight football after serving his time?

If this had been a first offence, the answer would probably have been different, but this is just the latest in a long line of violent incidents involving the midfielder, whose stint in anger management doesn’t seem to have done him much good at all.

Barton’s well publicised departure from Manchester City following his attack on team mate Ousmane Dabo was accompanied by a statement that Manchester City would never consider allowing Barton back after the way he had behaved.

'The FA risk undermining the discipline of the entire Football League if they are seen to be turning a blind eye to such behaviour'


Before the incident with Dabo, Barton had also been disciplined for stubbing out a cigarette in a youth team player’s eye and slapping a teenage Everton fan in Bangkok, leading to his being sent home in disgrace.

With such a blackened record, it is almost surprising that Newcastle United took Barton on at all. His being sold at a knock-down price was necessary to attract new buyers, but he attracted them nonetheless. Newcastle United may now be wondering if they made the right decision.

Whether the FA likes it or not, the decision on whether Barton shall play in the Premier League again will have wide-ranging repercussions. If he is allowed to return, what message does that send to other players?

‘Even if you disgrace yourself, your family and your team and get sent to prison, you can return to your cushy job and plenty of cash at the end of it?'

The FA risk undermining the discipline of the entire Football League if they are seen to be turning a blind eye to such behaviour, and need to think their decisions through carefully.

Of course, it is not just the players on whom a wrong decision might have a negative effect. Not only did Barton and Dabo’s exchange occur in front of a group of children, Joey Barton has many other young fans. What example is he setting to them and, more importantly, what example would the FA be setting if, by allowing him to return to his job, they deemed his behaviour acceptable?

Perhaps Barton is unfortunate in that his case is having such wide-ranging consequences, but he was aware of his high profile status well before he acted.

It is unfortunate that his ejection from Manchester City did not provide him with the wake-up call he needed. This time round he should be removed from our screens until he can prove he has changed once and for all.