So Joey Barton is a free man once more having served time in prison for an assault on a city street. Now he will return to Newcastle to resume his £65,000 a week contract. Some people have been saying that they don’t think Newcastle should take him back and they should be making an example of him for all the young kids who look up to footballers.

It’s not that long ago that Chelsea sacked Mutu for gross misconduct after he failed a cocaine test and in 2003 a Turkish side sacked Nouma for a goal celebration that involved his hand in his pants!!! So should Barton be sacked?

I tend to think that Barton has served his time and should be allowed get back to his life. He’s doing community service and getting help for alcohol related issues. The guy seems to come from a difficult background, his brother Michael is in jail for the racist murder of Anthony Walker, link. I remember Joey going onto the news to ask his brother to turn himself in. This would suggest that perhaps Joey is in need of some guidance and help. One thing I will say is that he should have served more of his 6 month sentence than he did! I don’t understand why he was released after 2 months?

He has been in trouble for a fight on the training ground with a team mate as well as for vandalising a taxi in Liverpool. It would seem that his “last chances” are running thin.

_____________________________________

Edit

It looks like the FA aren’t as forgiving as Newcastle - see link for details of possible 15 match ban