The game between Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers last night was one of just many great Premier League games. Sam Allerdyce’s side usually do well at St. Jame’s park and tonight was no exception. The two sides were well matched in terms of ability, the game as exciting end-to-end stuff which either side could have one, in the end Blackburn took the victory 2-1.
A brilliant game was ruined by a showing of violence however. Newcastle midfielder and well know bad boy Joey Barton again lost his rag last night as he lashed out at Morten Gamst Pederson. Barton walked up to Pederson and landed a powerful blow to the chest. Pederson went down, genuinely injured and clutching his chest.
After the incident occurred, Pederson and his team mates informed the ref of the incident, but Barton churlishly denied the claim, seemingly forgetting that his every move was being recorded by several TV cameras.
Barton has been playing well for an ever improving Newcastle side but this incident proves that his continuing anger management issues refuse to subside. Barton has been reprimanded in the past for a string of violent acts including extinguishing a cigar in a fans eye while playing in Thailand.
In an era where the game is trying to promote fair play, equality and present itself as a family orientated persuit, surely Barton has no place. This is yet another example of his violent, dangerous attitude and perhaps a sign that he is powerless to change.
In mu opinion each time such an incident occurs, Barton should receive a harsh punishment.If this happened he’d have to take out lots of loans, or Hitelek as the Hungarians say to pay for the violent acts he commits. There is surely no place for this kind of behavior in the modern game and while other players like Lee Bowyer and John Terry have shown flashes on violence in the past, maturity seems to have banished this personality streak.
