Barton loses boot deal

Sportswear giant Nike have terminated their contract with Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

Newcastle have publicly backed the player since his release from prison earlier this week but Nike ended a £40,000 annual boot sponsorship deal following his conviction for assault and affray in May.

A spokesman said: “We have provision in all our sponsorship contracts that take into account any actions by an athlete that bring the brand into disrepute.

“While Joey is a talented footballer, we cannot condone or accept what he did.

“Back in May when he was found guilty, we immediately terminated his contract.

“We certainly have no plans to re-sign him now that he has been released.”

Barton served 74 days of a six-month sentence after being jailed following an incident in Liverpool city centre last year.

He was also given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo during a training session last year.

Newcastle have said the 25-year-old will be given the chance to rebuild his football career at St James’ Park.

A statement yesterday read: “Newcastle United officials can confirm they have met with Joey Barton today, following which it has been agreed by everyone involved that Joey will remain with the club.

“The club will not be making any further comment at this time.”