Barton escapes further action
04 Nov 2008 - 17:16:55
Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton will not face any further action over his slap on Gabriel Agbonlahor during the 2-0 victory at home to Aston Villa on Monday evening.
Barton flicked a hand in Agbonlahor's face after being penalised for a first-half foul, although referee Steve Bennett did not book the former Manchester City star for the incident.
After the game, Newcastle's assistant manager Chris Hughton and Villa boss Martin O'Neill both played down the altercation, while Barton could not understand what all the fuss was about.
He told The Chronicle: "I thought it was a foul against me and I had a hold of the ball.
"We shook hands after the game and that's the way it is. It was all about nothing.
"Nothing's gone on. People are making a mountain out of a molehill."