Even though Joey Barton left Newcastle United more than three months ago, it seems he just can’t let it go. The QPR midfielder started a war of words with Newcastle chairman Derek Llambias via Twitter earlier this week and seems desperate to have the last word.
It all began when Barton claimed that the Newcastle squad didn’t sign a bonus sheet. He said: “Newcastle, as a playing squad, were the only club in Premier League history not to sign a bonus sheet. It was unprecedented. We refused as a playing staff (to sign) as they tried to railroad the players into signing a bonus sheet.”
Barton continued: “In their opinion we were paid workforce. They thought we were Sports Direct and we should do what the subordinates at Sports Direct do, forgetting they were dealing with 20-odd egos, probably 10 self-sufficient men in a position to make a number of different judgements. Myself and the bigger name players at the time advised the playing staff because we were head of the playing committee not to sign the bonus sheet”
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Llambias was quick to respond, saying: “In a week when one of Newcastle United’s most beloved footballers passed away, it is disappointing that once again Joey Barton makes the headlines. Our thoughts and attentions this week remain firmly with the family and friends of Gary Speed.” Although the passing of Speed is extremely tragic, it has nothing to do with the matter in hand and there was absolutely no reason for Llambias to bring it up.
Derek went on to say: “It is also unfortunate that Joey chose to draw such a disparaging comparison between himself and the employees of Sports Direct, who through hard work and dedication are the recipients of one of the most generous bonus schemes in UK retailing. It may not be a lot of money to Joey, but over 2,000 Sports Direct employees earning 20,000 will receive shares worth over 44,000 over the next two years.”
Barton wasn’t done, though, Tweeting: “Seen Llambas comments, he is crass and has no class. I’ll leave it for another day but if he wants to take a polygraph live on tv, lets do it. Not only do I have insurmountable amounts of proof (texts etc) but also about 6 others players who will concur. Am ready when u r Derek. If he’s worried now, him and his fat mate should be sh*tting it, if I decide to write a book. There’ll be no holding back on those 2 muppets.”
This all sounds a bit Jeremy Kyle from Barton and there’s no real need to conduct his arguments in public, but Llambias is far from the innocent party in this. The only real way of solving this is to do 12 rounds in the ring, Joey Barton v Derek Llambias live of Sky Sports Box Office. Let’s get it on!
