Philosophical Barton shows baser instincts

“THERE are no facts, only interpretations,” Friedrich Nietzsche, Joey Barton’s 19th century German philosopher of choice, once insisted.

And there were plenty of interpretations being offered after what would have been a non-event only for Barton making a mountain out of a molehill, similar to the one Gervinho must have tripped over when sparking the anger of the Newcastle midfielder in his failed efforts to earn a penalty.

However, Barton quickly surrendered the moral high ground in attempting to haul the Arsenal forward to his feet. After, at best, minimal contact he swiftly fell to earth to help earn the debutant a red card after feeling the full ‘force’ of a gentle tap on the chin from the recent €12.2m summer signing from French champions Lille.