Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce was angry with Joey Barton's rash challenge on Sunderland's Dickson Etuhu during Saturday's 1-1 draw, it has been revealed.

The FA said they were powerless to act on the incident yesterday and the Guardian says the news came as a relief to Allardyce, although he is privately annoyed at Barton for making such a rash challenge.

Allardyce has spoken of the player's growing maturity since he moved to St James's Park from Manchester City for £5.8m and feels let down by his actions.