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He was believed to be upset about an article in the paper questioning his commitment, although the offending (and very reasonable) piece was actually penned by Oliver’s colleague John Gibson.
Although Oliver doesn’t want to take things further, Freddy Shepherd and Sir Bobby will ensure that the Frenchman is subject to an internal inquiry and punishment (he’s bound to be found guilty after failing to offer an adequate defence!).
The Evening Chronicle’s editor Paul Robertson today condemned the attack, commenting: "For any player to launch a physical attack on a journalist is unacceptable.
"Sir Bobby Robson and Freddy Shepherd are investigating the attack on (Alan) Oliver and dealing with the matter internally - and that is where we want it to stay.
"As a season ticket holder myself for many years, there are things which Oliver writes which I don't agree with but I respect that it is written with integrity.
"He has criticised Robert in the past but he has also frequently lauded the Frenchman's talent.
"Robert himself has more than had his say on his own personal website about the way he sees life and it has not always been to the liking of Newcastle United.
"Sir Bobby Robson has gone on record saying that he has spent more time talking to Robert, and trying to get him to play to his full potential, than he has to any other player in a managerial career spanning 40 years.
"Our pages remain open to the player to respond to criticism."
Newspapers are often criticised for their treatment of footballers but in this case the behaviour of the Evening Chronicle’s writers has been exemplary and it would seem that Robert will get off relatively lightly.
One of the real downsides of the incident is that it overshadowed one of Robert’s better performances of the season – he wasn’t at his brilliant best, but you certainly couldn’t fault his work rate.
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