Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has been jailed for six months after being found guilty of assault and affray at Liverpool Crown Court.The former Manchester City player had admitted his part in a street attack in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27 last year.

Judge Henry Globe QC told him it was a "violent and cowardly act".

Newcastle issued a brief statement on Tuesday afternoon that gave little away as to their response.

The statement said: "Newcastle United notes the sentence passed to Joey Barton at Liverpool Crown Court today.

"The club is considering the verdict and will be making no further comment at this moment.''

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