Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear was unhappy to hear that Joey Barton had missiles thrown at him during yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Sunderland.

Told what had happened, he said: "It's a bit unfair, then, isn't it? It's not Joey Barton's fault, is it?

"He has been in the thick of everything this week. Every mass murder that has gone on in this country, his name has been associated with."

On the game, which left his club without a league win in seven attempts, Kinnear said: "I am disappointed, obviously, because of the immense disappointment for the supporters and everyone else.

"But looking at the bigger picture, we were beaten, and we have to play West Brom on Tuesday night and get maximum points."