Barton admits violent conduct

AFP - 13 August 2008 18:05

Controversial footballer Joey Barton,seen here in March 2008, has admitted to a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct relating to an incident involving his former team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

NEWCASTLE (AFP) - Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton on Wednesday admitted to a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct relating to an incident involving his former team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton, 25, received a four-month suspended prison sentence last June for the assault which occurred in May 2007 when the pair were at Manchester City.

French player Dabo, 30, had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Barton has requested a personal hearing from the FA, which will be scheduled before a regulatory commission in due course. He risks receiving a big fine and a suspension of between 10 to 15 matches.

Barton was released from prison last month after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence for assault, following a separate incident in his native Liverpool last year.