Barton - Passionate Or Simply An Idiot?

Last updated : 10 February 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Barton could be in trouble again after throwing a punch at Aston Villa's Shaun Maloney in an incident that the referee missed.

Not only could the midfielder have given away a penalty, but he would have picked up a red card and another spell out of the game.

Barton tangled with the Villa midfielder in the 13th minute of United's 4-1 hammering at Villa Park, pulling him over punching him in the face.
But no action was taken by referee Lee Mason and it is understood that there has been no complaint from Villa.
However, SKY TV have brought the issue up with the FA, who may decide to study video evidence of the alleged incident.

Barton has had a troubled season. Not only was he sidelined for months due to an injury picked up in pre-season friendly at Carlisle, but he was arrested and jailed for an incident on a night out in Liverpool.

Something he could have done without, because he faces another court case in June for an alleged assault on a Manchester City team-mate last year. A charge that could carry a five year jail term.