Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton says Arsenal rival Abou Diaby can have no complaints about his dismissal.
During their 4-4 draw, Diaby was incensed by a ferocious but legal challenge from Barton and pushed him to the ground before raising his hands to Kevin Nolan, giving referee Phil Dowd little option but to send him off.
Barton said: "I don't understand Diaby's reaction. I went in one-footed, cleanly took the ball and my momentum carried me into him.
"I think it was stupid from him. They were 4-0 up, there was no need for him to react the way he reacted. For me, it wasn't an issue.
"If the Arsenal players don't like being tackled, they should go and play basketball or netball or one of the other games."
