Newcastle star determined to change public’s opinion of him

After Joe Kinnear said “He’s got a big heart and is a good character,” with a completely straight face, violent criminal Joey Barton is all set to return to Premier League action in the Tyne-Wear derby this weekend. Dissatisfied with quietly rebuilding his shattered reputation on the pitch, the midfielder now believes he represent a positive example for the kids:

Now, after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence, Barton claims he will become “a shining beacon for kids who have been in trouble before like myself.”

To be fair to him, the 26-year-old has been making an effort to stop beating people unconscious by attending therapy at Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic, and those in the clink may be able to relate to him, but can he really expect to become a role model? Is the moral of commit shameful acts of savagery and still keep your highly-paid dream job and the unbridled support of your employers a particularly good one?

Let us know what you make of his claim with a comment.