Ashley Charged Him For Helicopter Ride

Last updated : 20 September 2016 By Footy Mad - Editor

Image result for joey barton rangers tattoo

One of the figurative chapters of his career is his spell at Newcastle United, who he signed for in 2007.

It was while under contract to Newcastle that he was jailed for an assault, spending 77 days in prison.

Speaking to The Mail, Barton thanked Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for his support, but also revealing how he was not overly generous.

After his release from prison, Barton had to stay at a rehab clinic and was due to be back by a certain curfew time.

To get there and back, Mike Ashley laid on a daily helicopter to take him to and from training - which he later discovered was at his cost.

Barton said: "It seemed a generous gesture until I received an eye-boggling invoice."

The Rangers midfielder also spoke of a row he had with Newcastle boss Alan Shearer and his assistant Iain Dowie, during their brief spell in charge.

Barton tells that he called Dowie, 'boxing glove head', an insult he says he is proud of. He said: "It was one of my better put-downs."

The midfielder has had his calmer moment through his career, but is currently serving a three week suspension, after a training ground row with Gers boss Mark Warburton.