Joey Barton is keeping his focus on the pitch as he prepares to face Morten Gamst Pedersen once again.
Midfielder focused on pitch as he prepares to face Pedersen again
Joey Barton is keeping his focus on the pitch as he prepares to face Morten Gamst Pedersen once again.
The Newcastle midfielder received a three match ban after a petulant punch on the Blackburn player during the 2-1 defeat to Rovers at St James' Park in November.
Barton insists the spat is now 'history' and he is solely focused on trying to pick a valuable three points in the push for Premier League safety.
He told the
Newcastle Chronicle: "It's just another game. What happened with Pedersen happened.
"I spoke to Morten afterwards, and we'll probably have a laugh about it.
"He was fine. He offered to go for a meal, but I haven't taken him up on it yet. If we get another good result, he might have to take me out Saturday night!"
Barton was involved in controversy again last Saturday when Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby was sent off for his reaction after a ferocious but legal challenge by the Newcastle midfielder in the amazing 4-4 draw at St James' Park.
Another game
He added: "Things happen in football. Last week an Arsenal player was involved in a media storm, and that's the national media in this country - they love a story.
"That week I was the story through my own stupidity.
"I served my ban and apologised to the necessary people.
"For me, it's gone. It's in the past.
"All I'm concerned about is this football club and getting to the 40 or 42-point mark, and seeing how many games we've got left when we get to that, and where we could go.
"It'll be about the next goal after that. It's another difficult game for us."
