Barton gets six months
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has been jailed for six months after pleading guilty to assault and affray charges at Liverpool Crown Court.
The 25-year-old admitted to the charges in relation to a confrontation outside a McDonald's in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27.
Judge Henry Globe QC told him at Liverpool Crown Court that it was a "violent and cowardly act".
Newcastle coy on Barton
Newcastle have refused to comment on Joey Barton's future after the midfielder was jailed for six months at Liverpool Crown Court.
The former Manchester City player was sentenced after pleading guilty to assault and affray charges for an attack outside a McDonald's restaurant in Liverpool in December last year.
A statement read: "The club is considering the verdict."
PFA will back Barton
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has promised to support Joey Barton and insists the Newcastle midfielder still has a future in football.
Barton was jailed for six months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting charges of assault and affray.
Taylor told Sky Sports News: "He's come from a difficult background and he's had a history of troubles. We've tried to help and will continue to help."