Magpies could sack jailed Barton
Barton could be sacked from Newcastle if he doesn't take a pay cut
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Sunday, 08, Jun 2008 04:47
Newcastle United could terminate the contract of midfielder Joey Barton if he does not renegotiate his current deal.
At present Barton is in jail, serving a six-month sentence for assault and affray, and is under pressure from his employers to take a pay cut.
The Newcastle hierarchy believe they could have grounds to sack Barton on the grounds of gross misconduct and would therefore not have to pay the remainder of his contract.
However, it is believed that current manager Kevin Keegan is keen to retain the services of Barton. The club are therefore looking for a way to resolve the situation.
It is reported that the 25-year-old currently earns around £55,000 a week at the Magpies, although he has not been paid since entering jail, and that the club want him to take a 50 per cent pay cut if he is to stay at the club.
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort told the Sunday Mirror: "We are in discussion with his representatives about what is best for the club going forward.
"Obviously, we are not going to ignore the fact that he is currently in jail.
"It is too early to say whether Joey being sacked is a possible outcome but we are talking about what the future holds."
Barton could still face further time in jail as the case relating to his alleged assault of former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo will soon be heard in court.
If Barton is convicted in the Dabo case later this month even a pay cut may not be enough to keep him at St James' Park. The club are worried his presence is tarnishing their image – especially with French players following the Dabo incident.