Barton's Trial By TV?

Last updated : 04 November 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Barton clashed with Gabriel Agbonlahor during the Premier League match on Monday night, and appeared to wipe away tears from the Villa striker's face.

Bennett spoke to Barton at the time, and both Newcastle number two Chris Hughton and Villa boss Martin O'Neill played the incident down.

An FA spokesman said: "It will be a question of establishing whether the referee saw it and dealt with it at the time.

"If he didn't, the procedure would be to get the footage of the incident and ask the referee for his views."

Barton returned to action three games ago after serving six games of a 12-game ban imposed following a training ground incident involving former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

The remaining part of the punishment will come into force should Barton be dismissed for an offence of violent conduct before the end of next season.