Barton fined over Twiticisms
And there was further bad news for Magpies fans last night as it appeared Jose Enrique could also be leaving Tyneside for Liverpool, in a £10m deal.
Barton was told this week he can leave on a free transfer, amid his ongoing criticisms of the Magpies’ hierarchy on Twitter and the breakdown in talks over a new deal.
Returning to the social networking site yesterday, Barton announced the club have also now hit him in the pocket. Barton wrote: “Ha ha the inevitable, 2 weeks wages fine has just arrived. Needless to say it shall be appealed forthwith. £kickingamanwhilsthesdownha”.
For Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew, Barton’s tweets appear to have been the final straw, the duo willing to let him leave for nothing, even though he has another year remaining on his contract.
Despite the turbulent situation, less than two weeks before the start of the Barclays Premier League season, Barton turned up for training yesterday as normal.
However, he was told to train alone, initially describing that as “predictable” on his Twitter feed.
Barton also further expressed his feelings over local press reports, claiming club officials were making “false statements”.
“I have too much respect for my teammates and the fans to get in a tit for tat war with them. I have too much self-worth and dignity,” Barton wrote.
It appears only a matter of time before the 28-year-old’s four-season spell on Tyneside draws to a close, with a number of clubs in the running for his signature.
Jose Enrique also appears to be out the door at St James’ Park with reports of a £10m move to Anfield.
Meanwhile Liverpool owner John Henry admits it will be “a huge disappointment” if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Henry has made a top-four finish the target for Kenny Dalglish to hit.
Henry told Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet: “It’s too early for us to start talking about winning the league. In my opinion Manchester United are the ones to beat. They have a good squad, and look really good. Our main goal is to qualify for the Champions League. If we don’t it would be a huge disappointment.”
