Keegan comes to Barton's defence

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan launched a stern defence of Joey Barton after the controversial midfielder endured a hot reception on his return to action in today’s 3-0 Premier League defeat at Arsenal.

Barton – who was recently released early from a jail sentence following a conviction for assault and affray – is set to face Football Association disciplinary chiefs next week after admitting a charge of violent conduct against former team-mate Ousmane Dabo, and although he had not been expected to feature for the first team, he was drafted into today’s squad.