MICHAEL CHOPRA dedicated his comeback goals to his baby son after coming off the bench to fire Sunderland to a 2-0 victory over derby rivals Middlesbrough.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will serve a minimum six-match ban and has been fined £25,000 (€30,962) by the Football Association for his attack on former team-mate Ousmane Dabo last May.

Roy Keane has pledged Sunderland's full backing to striker Michael Chopra as he “deals with some personal problems”.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was today starting a six-month jail sentence for his part in a brutal, alcohol-fuelled street attack.

Kevin Keegan is ready to test Middlesbrough’s resolve to hang on to England international Jonathan Woodgate.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will spend New Year in jail after being refused bail on charges of common assault and affray, a court ruled today.

The Professional Footballers Association expect Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton to pursue his anger management treatment with the Sporting Chance clinic and insist they “won’t give up” on the troubled player.

Joey Barton's agent Willie McKay has accused Manchester City of making an example of the player because he is "an easy target".

Fernando Ricksen has secured his exit from Rangers to sign a permanent deal with Zenit St Petersburg.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has spoken of his relief after escaping a ban for baring his backside at Everton fans and expressed regret at his actions.

Tony Adams has urged former Arsenal team-mate Sol Campbell to seek out professional help if his off-the-pitch difficulties persist.

JOEY BARTON has revealed he has not had an alcoholic drink since being sent home in disgrace from Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Thailand.

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has warned want-away midfielder Joey Barton there will be no more money on the table in any fresh contract negotiations.

Boston striker Noel Whelan has voluntarily admitted himself into a treatment clinic because of concerns over his drinking levels, it was revealed tonight.

Players’ chief Gordon Taylor has urged Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to seek professional help in an effort to curb his temper.

Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu will start a programme of drug rehabilitation next month under the guidance of Tony Adams.

Chelsea tonight accused the Football Association of being “weak on the issue of drugs” after Adrian Mutu was handed a seven-month ban following his positive drugs test.

Players’ boss Gordon Taylor has claimed Chelsea deliberately set out remove shamed striker Adrian Mutu from the club by singling him out for the drugs test he subsequently failed.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill believes Tony Adams could still prove a useful option for Arsenal to have in their squad next season - even if it was for just a limited number of games.