Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton courted more controversy against Leeds yesterday.

The Daily Express says Barton escaped unpunished with a horror challenge on Leeds whizzkid Fabian Delph as tempers threatened to boil over for the second time in three Newcastle pre-season friendlies.

Furious Leeds boss Simon Grayson had to be held back by officials after his £8m-rated midfielder was left dazed by an off-the-ball body check by the Toon jailbird.