Source: Daily_Mail
Joey Barton's frank confession after Morten Gamst Pedersen punching ban
Joey Barton has admitted he still faces a daily battle to controlthe demons that rage inside him after being banned for three matchesfor punching Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen.[LNB]The Newcastle United midfielder accepted a charge of violent conduct by the Football Association for the incident that occurred on Wednesday night at St James' Park.[LNB]And in a candid exclusive with Sportsmail, Barton, 28, expressed his regret at the incident and revealed yesterday that the anger-management issues that have plagued his career will never go away. [LNB] Flashpoint: Barton (No 7, circled) clashes with Pedersen in an incident that floored the Blackburn player[LNB] 'Everyone knows I have anger issues and on the pitch people are going to test mytemperament,' he said. 'I realise that. But people ask me, 'Have younot changed?' and I say, 'No, this is me, I have this aggression in meand I'm trying to handle it'.[LNB]'I'm not a changed man because it's who I am. It's something insideme, a natural instinct that makes me stand and fight. I just continueto work at it. [LNB]'I'll always be fighting to curb it and it's a battle for me. I havethese anger issues but I know that when it turns to rage, like it didagainst Blackburn, it is not acceptable.[LNB]'It was a moment of stupidity from me,' he added. 'I shouldn't have reacted like that even if I was slightly provoked. I can't condone it and I deserve a ban. I am human but I have I made a mistake I regret.'[LNB]Watch the video[LNB]Calm down: Andy Carroll (right) has a word with Barton[LNB]Barton has been in superb form for Newcastle and manager ChrisHughton is clearly unhappy at losing one of his most important playersfor three games. [LNB]'I have seen the incident,' said Hughton. 'Joey has reacted andknowing Joey and how he's been this season, very, very concentrated I'm disappointed he's reacted. It will get far more coverage becauseit's Joey rather than somebody else. But he's reacted to provocationand he'll be disappointed. [LNB]'He's gone through a very good period where people are only speaking about what he's done on a football pitch.' [LNB]Hughton would not reveal any punishment Barton may receive from theclub, instead acknowledging the effort the midfielder has made tocontrol his notorious temper.[LNB]'We are, of course, very consciousof his past,' he said. 'I canonly comment on what I've seen of him for the period I've had him. Heshowed at Wolves that, with extreme provocation, he's able to maintaina certain discipline. Unfortunately yesterday he did react. [LNB]'It's quite a close squad of players and I prefer to keep my feelings in house. But Joey has progressed as a person.' [LNB]Barton misses Premier League matches against Fulham, Bolton and Chelsea. [LNB][LNB] Explore more:People: Joey Barton Places: Newcastle Organisations: Football Association
