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Gallas questions Barton ban

Gunners captain intimates that FA was too soft on midfielder

By James Dall Last updated: 7th September 2008

Barton: 12-game ban

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Arsenal captain William Gallas does not believe the Football Association handed out a long enough punishment to Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.

On Friday, Barton was handed a 12-game ban, six of which are suspended, for his training-ground assault on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Gallas, who came up against Barton in the Gunners' 3-0 win over the Magpies last weekend, feels the FA failed to sanction a tough enough penalty on the 26-year-old.

The France international said in the Sunday Express: "In my opinion it is not long enough, especially when you think about his attack on Ousmane Dabo and everything he has done besides.

"I don't understand the Football Association."

Nasri incident

Barton made a late cameo in the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, and was quickly involved in the action after he made a strong challenge on Arsenal's Samir Nasri.

Summer signing Nasri was then criticised after the game by Kevin Keegan with the former Magpies boss accusing the Frenchman of tripping Barton after the tackle.

Of the matter, Gallas added: "The moment Barton came on to the pitch he made a bad challenge on Samir Nasri.

"Samir responded with an act that maybe wasn't especially nice. But bearing in mind the player he did it to, then fair enough."