Twitter war: Man Utd teammates clash over QPR skipper Barton

Manchester United teammates Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand have clashed on Twitter: OVER JOEY BARTON!

The pair traded virtual blows over Barton's dismissal against Norwich City.

Owen has waded into the row to lend his support to QPR ace Barton.

Owen tweeted: "The Barton sending off looked harsh. More calls for video technology. I'd have to agree. No point only introducing it for ball crossing the line."

However, Owen's United team-mate Rio Ferdinand reckons the introduction of video replays would spoil football as a spectacle.

He said: "Leave it to the human eye. Human error throws up debate and more talking points, keeps it interesting too. Evens out over a year!

"A big percentage of the media sports stories and debates revolve around referees decisions...it adds to the game for me.

"But maybe I'd budge on goal line technology."

But Owen countered: "Move with the times! Surely rugby, cricket etc. are better for the introduction of technology?

"I take your point but my view would be all or nothing. Either accept mistakes will be made or ensure every big decision is right."

However, Ferdinand was adamant the game should be left as it is.

He added: "Football is the best sport out there...why tweak it? It's not like it's broken."