Visa glitch sees Barton Tooned out
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will miss the club's pre-season trip to the United States after being denied a visa.
The 28-year-old, who was given a six-month jail sentence after admitting assault and affray in 2008, has been denied the necessary permission to travel with the rest of the first-team Magpies' squad when they leave on Sunday.
Newcastle said that Barton will instead link up with Peter Beardsley's reserves when they head for Holland tomorrow.
Barton said in a statement on Newcastle's official website: "Unfortunately, I was denied my visa due to my past.
"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 is still hopeful he will be in the Newcastle side that kick off the Premiership season at home to Arsenal.