Newcastle United hero Warren Barton has taken aim at owner Mike Ashley.

Ashley has attended the last three matches but Barton fears the damage has already been done.

Barton said, “He has done a lot of harm by being away and hiding and not being in his seat when the fans are upset.

“Show that you do care, show that you are going to be there. I went through a time where my performances were bad and the fans were booing but I never hid and they respected me for that.

“If you are having a bad time, don't hop on the train to London or on the plane to Marbella and face the music.

“But if you are going to do that, give Rafa some leeway and some money and be proactive.

“The fans may not like you at the end of the day but they will respect you for doing that."