Barton banned from US

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton’s criminal record has seen him denied him a work visa for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

Barton was convicted of assault and affray in 2008 after an incident outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool, and he was also convicted of a training ground assault on his then Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Newcastle, who leave on Sunday, will play Sporting Kansas (July 20), Orlando City (July 23) and Columbus Crew (July 26).

But Barton has been notified by the US Embassy that he will not be granted a work visa for the tour, and the 28-year-old took the decision on the chin.

“Unfortunately, I was denied my visa due to my past,” Barton said.

“I regret not being able to travel with the club on this trip, but at the same time, I don’t expect to be treated any differently or more favourably than anyone else in a similar situation.”

“All I can do is continue to improve as a person, which is what I intend to do.”

“Again, apologies to all the NUFC supporters – as well as the fast-growing legions of football supporters in the United States who I was looking forward to meeting. I will see you in the future.”

Barton will instead embark on the club’s reserve team tour of the Netherlands which begins on July 20, involving matches against Hollandia, FC Utrecht and Almere City.