Keegan standing by Barton

Toon boss fumes over Nasri challenge

Last updated: 30th August 2008

Keegan standing by Barton

Barton: Makes his return

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Kevin Keegan again threw his support behind Joey Barton following the midfielder's steamy introduction back into the Premier League.

Keegan did not want to use Barton in the first-team before the player's disciplinary hearing at the Football Association next week - when he faces a lengthy ban for his assault on former team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

But Barton was brought into the squad this week and came off the bench for the closing minutes of Newcastle's loss at the Emirates Stadium.

Booed from the off, Barton flew into a tough challenge on Samir Nasri - but then moments later the Frenchman appeared to retaliate off-the-ball with a deliberate trip.

Keegan was far from happy with Nasri and his reaction.

"Joey came on, got a good tackle in on Nasri. Then the guy sliced him down," Keegan said.

"That's what happened and that's what I saw, which is what I was upset about.

"I like Nasri very much - he's a player we looked at for a possible signing but you can't do that.

"If it had been the other way round, I wonder what the reaction would be.

"I know the referee didn't see it but the linesman did and it should have been a red card.

"I will tell Arsene Wenger the same thing when I see him. It wasn't a reckless tackle - it was a good tackle.

"We want to see the good players play, but we want to see good tackles as well.

"Joey has done nothing wrong. I'm concerned about my team, not individual players."

Keegan admitted his side could do little to stop Arsenal as they succumbed 3-0.

"We came up against a side who had to bounce back from a poor result [at Fulham]," he said.

"We needed a break, which we did not get, like when Nicky Butt's header hit the bar, but there is no denying they are an excellent side and will finish in the top four - the only thing they are fighting for is where they will

finish."

Transfers?

The Newcastle boss confirmed he was hoping to make some more moves in the transfer market.

"I hope to do more business. We need three players in," said Keegan.

"I have seven very good players and a few who could be in the future, but we need a couple more."