However, taking on Alan Shearer will rank as one of the most foolhardy.

Barton, somehow, still had the backing of Newcastle United's fans when he took to the field against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

And the midfielder was even applauded off the pitch after being sent off, despite his reckless challenge having ended his season and dented the club's chances of winning their remaining two home games.

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Yet today, after details emerged of his astonishing dressing room bust-up after the game, Barton – who had reportedly ridiculed Shearer's managerial ability and tactics – will find few on Tyneside ready to fight his corner.

The 26-year-old – who has made just 32 appearances for United, at a cost of around £195,000 per game – has been suspended by Shearer, who been attempting to instil some discipline into the squad he inherited since taking charge at St James's Park.

Some of his predecessors might have been tempted to make excuses for Barton, who has been given chance after chance by manager after manager. Not Shearer.

Despite accusations he sat on the fence during his time on the Match of the Day sofa, Shearer hasn't pulled any punches since taking up the managerial reins at Newcastle.

His honesty when talking about Barton's latest misdemeanour was refreshing. Barton had let him and the club down, and to have suggested anything else would have been attempting to pull the wool over supporters' eyes, and that's not Shearer's style.

And while fans will be desperate to see Shearer stay beyond the end of the season, the same can't be said of Barton.

His future surely lies away from St James's Park, though, as ever, his £60,000-a-week wages will be a huge obstacle to him moving on.

Shearer versus Barton? There was only ever going to be one winner.