Arsenal's Gael Clichy has claimed Joey Barton has few friends among the Premier League's French contingent.
Magpies midfielder facing long spell out after Dabo assault
Arsenal's Gael Clichy has claimed Joey Barton has few friends among the Premier League's French contingent.
The Newcastle midfielder spent much of pre-season behind bars at Strangeways prison in Manchester, but made a controversial return to action as a late substitute against the Gunners on Saturday.
A chorus of boos from those inside Emirates Stadium greeted his appearance on the sidelines this weekend, while he still managed to make the headlines for his fleeting on-field antics.
A strong challenge on Samir Nasri set the tone, with the France international taking retribution with a cynical trip minutes later.
Proud
The introduction of Barton marred a game which should have been remembered for another demonstration of Arsenal's free-flowing capabilities.
However, the focus switched elsewhere as Clichy admitted in the aftermath of the clash that he was happy with Nasri's actions.
"We know the guy," said the full-back.
"He wanted to make something for his first game back and I don't want to talk about it but Samir did well and I'm proud of him."
Barton currently has a four-month suspended sentence hanging over him for assaulting former team-mate Ousmane Dabo during his time at Manchester City.
Controlled
He is due to appear in front of the Football Association on Friday to hear the full extent of the punishment he will face for the attack, a ruling which is expected to once again put him out of action for some time.
Arsene Wenger accepts the one-cap England international may have riled Dabo's fellow Frenchman with his actions, but revealed Nasri should not have ignited an already contentious issue.
"I don't know if it's linked with that (Dabo)," said the Gunners boss.
"It can always be an explanation, but not an excuse.
"You want to be controlled. I believe we should focus always on what is right in the game.
"We do not want players doing that. Even if you're provoked, you have to control yourself."
