For Joey Barton the affliction of alcoholism has turned him into what he is today, a convicted criminal with an extremely violent streak.

Last month Barton was jailed for six months for two violent assaults.This from a man who was already out on bail after an alleged assault of then Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

After battering a man outside a restaurant, Barton turned his attentions to a 16-year-old. Just where the Newcastle midfielder goes from here is anyone's guess.

'It may be a good idea to send Barton to Tony Adams for some serious help and advice'


The seriousness of his problems has obviously not hit him hard enough yet. Perhaps some time behind bars may change the wayward Barton.

During the proceedings a statement was read where the Magpies star admitted that he despises the man he becomes with drink inside him.

There are too many examples of sportsman who ended up with nothing due to alcohol abuse, the two most notable being George Best and, more recently, Paul Gascoigne.

For the many people who can take or leave a drink, it is very difficult for them to understand just exactly what this addiction can do to someone. Because it is legal and readily available, the attitude to alcoholics are wide and varied.

Gascoigne cuts a very sad and lonely figure right now and one hopes that treatment can help him on the road to recovery.

We all know what he did to his ex-wife but we also know that she is supporting him now. What he did back then was not Paul Gascoigne. It was alcohol.

It may be that Barton has not sunk low enough. It will most likely happen again and again until he is left with nothing. And it seems that Joey has the violent side in him at all times.

Best's problem was that he never hit rock-bottom in terms of money. Gascoigne is very close to it now. Where are all of his good-time buddies now that the money is in short supply? Barton is loaded right now and he will have plenty hangers-on to show him a good time.

I fear it may be another story of too little, too late. It may be a good idea to send Barton to Tony Adams for some serious help and advice. In fact it  should be made a stipulation of his rehabilitation.

Everyone deserves a second and even third chance if they are finally willing to accept and admit that they have a problem. Barton still has time on his hands. I sincerely hope he chooses the right path.