Barton charged by FA over Man City clash

Controversial footballer Joey Barton,seen here in March 2008, was charged by the Football Association (FA) with violent conduct.

Controversial footballer Joey Barton was charged Thursday by the Football Association (FA) with violent conduct.

The charge relates to an assault by the Newcastle United midfielder on his then Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo at City's Carrington training ground on May 1, 2007.

Barton, 25, was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, on July 1 after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Dabo.

This FA charge arises from the hearing at Manchester Crown Court, with the governing body now having received the documentation it wanted from that case.

Barton has until August 13 to respond to the charge.

He was released from prison Monday after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence for assault following an incident in his native Liverpool last year.

However, Newcastle and especially manager Kevin Keegan, have said they intend to keep the player at the club and help him rebuild his career.

There is no maximum sentence which could be levied on Barton although, given the severity of the attack on Dabo, a long ban and heavy fine could be applied if an independent disciplinary commission finds him guily of the charge.

In a statement, Newcastle made it clear they were unhappy with the length of time it had taken the FA to charge Barton.

"The club has sought clarification from the Football Association as to why this decision has been reached now, given the incident occurred nearly 15 months ago.

"Joey will be requesting a personal hearing in relation to the charge and the club will be making no further comment on the matter at this time."