Should QPR ditch their controversial midfielder? Newcastle United will be well glad they are rid of him.
The punishment of a 12 match ban and £75,000 fine speaks volumes.
Even Paolo Di Canio only received an 11 match ban for actually pushing a referee to the ground.
The question however is whether a 12 match ban or even a 20 match ban is going to do anything to reform a player of this calibre.
Barton has a history of violent conduct on the field, and his display on the last day of the season against three Manchester City players was jaw dropping, and plainly disgusting.
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I don’t know about you, but when I watch a football game I have come to expect to see some ‘hard play’ in the form of a dangerous tackle, even a pushing of players in the goal mouth as the corner comes in.
But deliberate assaults like elbowing, kneeing and head butting take things to a different level.
Deliberate violence of this kind should never be allowed on the football field, be it in a weekend friendly or a match of this calibre where millions of people, many of them youngsters, are watching.
The FA found this to be an aggravating factor as well it should but even a 12 match ban and ‘moderate’ fine is not enough.
Barton will be back to his old tricks once he reappears on the field, of that I have no doubt.
This type of behaviour must be stamped out quickly by the FA and club alike.
QPR are now starting their own investigation into Barton’s behaviour.
Let’s hope that they conclude that he breached the terms of his contract and fire him.
There’s no place in the beautiful game for players like him. Ever.
He should be made an example of for the good of the game and the good of the fans. Football is a better place without him.
Is there any way back for Joey Barton? If he is dismissed by QPR who will take him on?
image: © Tom Cuppens
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