Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has called on Premiership fans to lay off controversial midfielder Joey Barton.

Barton will make his return in today's derby at Sunderland and Shearer said: "He will tell you that he has been given plenty of chances because he is a footballer.

"The question is, are you going to punish him for the rest of his life?

"What he did was totally wrong and I'm sure his victims will have a very different view about him returning to playing football. You have to feel for them.

"He was out of order, no doubt about it. But also he has served his punishment."

Barton, 26, returned to action this week playing for Newcastle reserves and could even be on the bench for today's North East derby against Sunderland.

He has also given a string of interviews expressing his remorse and desire to change.

Shearer believes there is real intent behind those words.

He said: "I am sure prison was an horrendous experience for him and hopefully one that will have changed him. Certainly his words expressed in interviews this week show a heartfelt desire to do just that.

"His victims will probably be thinking he has said this before and he has. So for me this has to be the last chance for him and I think he will agree with that himself. Joey Barton has to make sure he does not let down those people who have stood by him and tried to help him.

"Most importantly he has to make sure he does not let himself down. I have spent some time on a golf course with him and spoken to him and found him quite sensible.

"Yet he clearly has this temperament problem which he needs to get under control."