Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton was defended yesterday by his agent, Willie Mackay, in the aftermath of his blow-up with Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor.

He said: "It's a nonsense. Who do you think scored Newcastle's two goals on Monday night? It was a black lad (Obafemi Martins) and Joey celebrated with him. Are those the actions of someone who would get caught up in something like this?

"I think Martin O'Neill is peeved because his two England midfielders were made to look very ordinary by Joey on Monday night."