Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

FA to investigate Barton

11 Nov 2007 - 13:19:07

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The Football Association has confirmed they will look into Joey Barton's ugly challenge on Dickson Etuhu during Saturday's 1-1 derby draw between Newcastle United and Sunderland.

The Newcastle midfielder appeared to catch Etuhu on his thigh after going into a challenge on the stroke of half-time with his foot dangerously high.

The incident was missed by match referee Martin Atkinson, but controversial midfielder Barton could still be in hot water with the FA after they confirmed they would investigate the clash.

"We will be looking to clarify with the referee whether he saw the incident or not," said an FA spokesman.

"If not, we will review the incident."

Barton could be hit with a three-match suspension if he is charged and subsequently found guilty of violent conduct.

After the stalemate at the Stadium of Light, Magpies boss Sam Allardyce felt his side had deserved a point.

"We deserved it for our response after going a goal down," he said.

"The fear of going a goal down at that stage is the reason we picked our game up and took the game to Sunderland.

"Up to then, Sunderland out-muscled us and we couldn't get our passing game going, but that happens in a derby match.

"In the end it was a fair result."