Agent backs banned Barton
02 May 2007 - 08:57:04
Joey Barton's agent Willie McKay has backed the midfielder after the England international was suspended until the end of the season by Manchester City after becoming embroiled in a fight during training with Ousmane Dabo.
McKay has accused City of over-reacting and insists the incident was instigated by Dabo, who required hospital treatment for cuts to his face following the incident.
"If he'd scored three goals in the last three games do you think they'd have dropped him?" said McKay. "He's an easy target. It was self-defence.
"Joey's got a contract at Man City and he's given one million per cent on the pitch.
"I've spoken with Joey and I've spoken with the club, who've said they'll be in contact."
Barton has often been at the centre of controversy in the past. At a Christmas party he poked a cigar in junior player Jamie Tandy's eye and was then sent home from a pre-season tournament in Thailand after becoming involved in a fight with a young Everton fan.
Barton underwent anger management therapy and paid £120,000 in club fines.
He was also arrested on suspicion of criminal assault and criminal damage after an alleged argument with a taxi driver in Liverpool, while going to his hotel after a match in March.
