Barton denies bust-up rumours

Joey Barton has rejected speculation that he fell out with team-mates ahead of Newcastle’s opening-day draw at West Brom yesterday.

Rumours surfaced of a bust-up with between the one-time England player and Jonas Gutierrez, and if there had been an unwelcome incident it would have been the latest of several which have affected Barton’s career.

Barton was also left on the bench by temporary boss Chris Hughton for the 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns, although he was introduced as a second-half substitute as Newcastle fought back to grab a point.

However, on this occasion Barton has done little to warrant the negative headlines.

“There was no disagreement between Joey Barton and any other player prior to the West Brom game,” said Barton’s personal spokesman Paul Tyrrell.

“He totally accepted Chris Hughton’s decision to put him on the bench for tactical reasons yesterday and gave a typically committed performance when he came on as a substitute.

“Joey is firmly focused on getting Newcastle back to where it belongs – the Premier League.”