Warren Barton has taken to Twitter to react angrily after watching footage of Newcastle taking on Al-Ittihad in a friendly yesterday.
What’s the story?
Well, Barton aimed his comment at Ciaran Clark, who failed to cover himself in glory when he received a straight red card.
The £5m man reacted aggressively after being challenged by Abderrazak Hamdallah, and proceeded to punch the Al-Ittihad striker.
Eddie Howe will presumably have been left furious with the incident, as it happened in front of Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Neil Crompton, as well as Saudi dignitaries.
We wonder what they made of Clark’s actions – simply put, the Irishman hasn’t represented Newcastle too well on this occasion.
Ultimately, it was a friendly, and there is no need for Clark to embarrass himself or the Magpies like that.
Ciaran Clark might not play for Newcastle again
In our view, that might be the last thing Clark ever does in a Newcastle shirt.
As you will know, the Magpies are desperately trying to sign a new centre-back before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Amanda Staveley has faced challenges in pursuits of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos, although there is still hope that a new defender will arrive.
Should that happen, then we think Clark’s time at Newcastle will be over.
The 32-year-old is already on thin ice with Newcastle fans after receiving a straight red card just nine minutes into a crucial game against Norwich.
That particular match ended 1-1, and saw Newcastle miss out on vital points.
After his moment of madness in Saudi Arabia, we feel that could now be it for Clark at Newcastle.
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