not the right message

By: j | July 27th, 2008

Lets be open and honest. I’ve supported Kevin Keegan for the most part in my commentary and feel very strongly of his managerial leadership. However I fell this time he is very, very wrong.

The situation is this, convicted violent offender (Joey) Barton is being released from prison shortly and Kevin Keegan believes he deserves a second chance and prepared to give him that with Newcastle. Barton, was convicted of savagely beating a teenager in Liverpool around Christmas last year, punching his victim up to 20 times and the attack was captured by CCTV cameras. The habitual violent offender was also recently convicted of assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo and was given a suspended four-month sentence.

Kevin Keegan told the BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek:

“There are a lot of things he needs to put right - but I think he can do it.”

“Joey will be back with us towards the end of this month. It’s well documented he’s had his problems, but I knew of them when I took over. He’s served his sentence, he’s been punished for what he did wrong.

“It’s well documented he’s had his problems, but I knew of them when I took over. He’s served his sentence, he’s been punished for what he did wrong.

“The world is littered with people that have been given a second chance and taken it with both hands.

“I told him as long as from now on he did things right and started to rebuild the confidence of people around him, I would stick by him.

“The Joey Barton that we had in the last couple of months of the season was a much-changed character.

“I’m hoping that he’ll come back and we’ll get him fit. It’s up to Joey to put things right now - he’s got to win over a lot of people.”

I appreciate second chances and believe every man or woman is deserving of one. But what of the message that Kevin Keegan and the club is saying now? Violence is fine, sure and we’re a bit low on good Footballer’s so we’ll turn a blind-eye if you have some talent. Kevin, you’re a good leader and have done so many great things in your career beyond the pitch but right now you need to re-consider, look out to the crowds of children and lead them to be better people.

Barton is a repeat violent offender that is in need of a second chance which starts with professional care and education but far away from the pitch. He is not an example to the England I know regardless of who tries to shape his public image now and will only be an embarrassment to the club.