Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has landed himself in more hot water after yesterday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland.

Barton, 25, who is currently bailed to appear at Manchester Crown Court on November 22 charged with assaulting his former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo, will undergo trial by television for an ugly, high tackle on Sunderland's Dickson Etuhu.

On the stroke of half-time in the 1-1 draw, the challenge on Etuhu drew an angry response from the Sunderland player, who was incensed when Barton appeared to plant a boot in his groin - and the pair squared up nose to nose.

Because referee Martin Atkinson took no action, the FA's disciplinary committee could punish Barton retrospectively, with footage of the incident certain to be reviewed at FA headquarters in Soho Square tomorrow, says the Mail on Sunday.