Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle's friendly fire: It's all right for my boys to fight, says battling boss Kinnear
Toon barmy: Joey Barton (left) and Jose Enrique have to be separated by Sebastien Bassong during Newcastle's game with Blackburn.
'It was a very intense, excellent training session, as we always have at the club. It was a fiery session. There was a late challenge and a reaction to it. The players were working to the max - it was as simple as that
The players, French utility man Charles N'Zogbia and 20-year-old Geordie striker Andy Carroll, were finally separated. Witnesses believe that 22-year-old N'Zogbia won on points.
It brings a new meaning to a relegation fight, but some managers will tell you that such acts of aggression are a sign of a squad being 'pumped up'. Newcastle have a weekend off after losing 1-0 at home to Hull in an FA Cup replay.
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The club has a history of player brawls. The most unedifying one saw Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer scrapping in front of more than 52,000 disbelieving fans during a 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa in April 2005.
At Blackburn last Saturday, where they were also beaten 3-0, it was troublesome midfielder Joey Barton - in his first appearance after two months out through injury - and Spanish left back Jose Enrique who were at the centre of a flashpoint. Kinnear later dismissed the incident as one that showed substitute Barton was 'just fired up'.
Maybe some Newcastle fans will welcome the latest news. At least it shows the players care, they will counter, while having one eye on a league table that shows the club are embroiled in a real scrap - one that could see them drop into the Championship.
Not concerned: Joe Kinnear.
There are murmurs of a dressing room schism between the homegrown and foreign players and there are those on either side of the alleged divide eager to head for pastures new. N'Zogbia has been agitating for a move for some time, talking openly of his desire to play for Arsenal or Tottenham.
Only three weeks ago, in a statement released by his lawyer Michael Kennedy, goalkeeper Shay Given's disenchantment with the club he has served loyally for almost 12 years - without tangible reward - was laid bare.
And captain Michael Owen, out of contract at the end of the season, has fudged a decision on the offer of a new three-year deal.
Kinnear has been in trouble himself, receiving a third FA disciplinary charge this week following his touchline bust-up with Hull boss Phil Brown. Brown was also charged, after they were sent to the stand by referee Phil Dowd during their FA Cup thirdround replay.
Kinnear already had two charges hanging over him - one for his banishment from the bench by referee Mike Riley late on in the home draw with Stoke in December, the other for branding official Martin Atkinson's decision-making 'Mickey Mouse' following a November defeat at Fulham.
In the meantime, Kinnear is hoping to tie up a deal for former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands. The 28-year-old Denmark international has been on trial and impressed in the behind-closed-doors game with Carlisle.
Kinnear said: 'I've passed it to (managing director) Derek Llambias, who is talking to Peter's agent. He's thrashing out some sort of deal to the end of the season. I thought he was excellent the other day.'
Kinnear has also taken Algeria defender Ahmed Reda Madouni, 28, on trial. He had spells with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
While the manager struggles to make a much-needed transfer breakthrough to strengthen his injury-ravaged squad, there is more than one fight looming.
More...
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Tear-up at Toon - Newcastle pair in training bust-up and Kinnear lets it go
Ash Wednesday: Smokin' Joe Kinnear and his muddled mind just can't stop making gaffes
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Is Joe Kinnear shrewd or irresponsible to condone his players scrapping with each other? Send us your views in the comments section below...
