Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was this afternoon charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after allegedly punching Blackburn’s Morten Gamst Pedersen.

The 28-year-old has been charged by the FA after match referee Mike Jones viewed video evidence of the 50th-minute incident during last night’s 2-1 Premier League defeat for the Magpies at St James’ Park.


Youtube footage of the incident.

An FA statement said: “Newcastle United FC midfielder Joey Barton has today been charged with violent conduct by the FA following an incident in his side’s fixture with Blackburn Rovers FC on Wednesday, 10 November.

”Barton has until 6pm on Friday 12 November to reply to the charge and under the FA’s fast-track regulations, may admit the charge and accept a standard three-match suspension.”

Barton's fist appeared to make contact with Pedersen's ribs in the aftermath of an incident inside the Newcastle penalty area as Rovers midfielder Junior Hoilett was being booked for diving.

If Barton admits his guilt or is alternatively convicted of the offence, he will miss Saturday's home clash with Fulham, next weekend's trip to Bolton and the visit of champions Chelsea to St James' on November 28.