Kinnear hits out at treatment of Barton

NEWCASTLE interim manager Joe Kinnear insisted Sunderland fans’ treatment of Joey Barton, who was pelted with missiles during Saturday’s derby at the Stadium of Light, was “not acceptable’’.

The Magpies’ midfielder, who appeared as a late substitute, came under fire while warming up on the touchline and inflamed matters when he provocatively kissed the badge on his tracksuit.

Barton was making his first appearance after a six-match ban, imposed for his training-ground attack on Ousmane Dabo in their days at Manchester City.

Sunderland face an FA probe and the prospect of a hefty fine for failures concerning crowd control over the Barton incident and trouble inside the ground on the final whistle, when rival fans fought with stewards and police. There were 29 arrests made by Northumbria Police, who confirmed they were holding a full investigation.

Barton again did himself no favours by applauding the travelling fans as fights were breaking out.

But Kinnear hit out at Barton’s targeting by home supporters: “It’s not very nice. I didn’t witness it, but if that’s the truth it’s very disappointing.

“It doesn’t matter who you are playing for, it’s not acceptable people throwing bottles and coins.

“Last week an assistant referee got hit on the head with a coin. It certainly needs addressing.’’