Newcastle United FC

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Barton clash played down

04 Nov 2008 - 08:38:45

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Newcastle United have played down controversial midfielder Joey Barton's clash with Gabriel Agbonlahor during their 2-0 win against Aston Villa at St James' Park on Monday.

Referee Steve Bennett spoke to Barton when the former Manchester City player appeared to flick out a hand at Agbonlahor after the two players had clashed in the first half.

First-team coach Chris Hughton was annoyed to see the incident replayed several times on television, saying after the match: "One thing we're aware of is that any incident regarding Joey's going to be blown up twice as much as it's going to be with any other player.

"But as regards to what that was, I'm not aware.

"All we can ask of him is to put in the performances he's done for us since he's been back. He's a very short way into his period back with us. All of those things, he's aware of."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill also played down the incident, saying when asked if it had affected Agbonlahor's performance: "It would have done if he'd had to pick his nose up from the ground.

"It probably would have if he couldn't smell or couldn't breathe. It might have been a problem."