Joey Barton was booted out of Newcastle United not only for his Twitter rant, it has been revealed.
The Sun says Barton was ruthlessly booted out of Newcastle after a Twitter rant at owner Mike Ashley - and a bust-up with boss Alan Pardew.
Barton, who has a year left on his contract, can leave on a free transfer having infuriated Ashley with more vicious criticisms following Sunday's friendly defeat at Leeds.
We can reveal Barton initially refused to play in that game after being told he would not be captain.
Following a furious row with Pardew, he was finally ordered to take part. Barton then let everyone know his feelings about the Toon board on Twitter. And that proved the final straw for Ashley, who yesterday kicked him out of Newcastle for good.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are leading the chase for the 29-year-old while West Ham are sniffing around.
