Newcastle boss Sam disappointed with Barton

Dec 30 2007 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE boss Sam Allardyce last night condemned Joey Barton’s latest brush with the law as “hugely disappointing” . . .

But refused to say whether he is willing to see the midfielder sacked if convicted of assault.

And while reflecting on Barton (right) being behind bars on a second assault charge, Allardyce laid into linesman Mike Cairns, branding him a coward for the decision which saw United beaten at Chelsea yesterday.

“The whole thing is hugely disappointing,” Allardyce said of the latest furore over Barton, his first signing as Newcastle manager.

But while there are claims the player is facing the sack, Allardyce – who had a bust-up with Barton at Wigan on Boxing Day – added: “I can’t say any more at the moment. Obviously, it’s something that may come up for discussion between me and the chairman in the future.”

Meanwhile, Allardyce, who enjoyed a night out with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley on Friday, suggesting he is not close to the sack, was seething with linesman Cairns.

On the official’s failure to disallow Salomon Kalou’s late winner for offside, Big Sam blasted: “It can only be fear – blind fear.”

And Abdoulaye Faye left Stamford Bridge last night with his arm in a sling, so is a doubt for Wednesday’s visit of Manchester City.