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Should Newcastle United sack Joey Barton?
NEWCASTLE United's £5.8m midfielder Joey Barton today stands at a crossroads in his football career.
On Sunday he was sent off at Anfield for a reckless challenge as the relegation-threatened Magpies were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool.
The red card he received means he will miss the last three games as his club tries to stay in the Premier League.
Manager Alan Shearer rightly told him he had let him, the club and the fans down, only to find himself on the end of an angry outburst.
Barton, undoubtedly a talented but flawed player, has been suspended by the club and told to stay away for the rest of the season.
The ill-considered lunge at Xabi Alonso could be his last act in a black and white shirt, if the club decides it can take no more of his self-destructive behaviour.
> Do you think Newcastle United should sack Joey Barton? Take part in Today's Vote >
Here's a selection of Gazette readers' views. E-mail us your thoughts here.
Shaun Dudgeon, 45, Jarrow, self-employed.
"I think they should get rid. He's no good and gives a bad name to football. The North East deserves better, we don't need him. Barton doesn't have the same passion and commitment as North East supporters."
Stephen Reed, 23, Jarrow, warehouse worker.
"He is so committed, but becomes an idiot about it. He is the type of player we are missing, but sometimes his dedication shows in a stupid way. I would give him one more chance, but I think he'll gone by the end of the season."
Lisa Burles, 40, manager, Chester-le-Street.
"He's an idiot and he's had too many changes. He's been in prison, what more chances does he want?"
Sharon Vose, 40, bar manager, South Shields.
"He is a thug and shouldn't play football. If he was in the street he'd be locked up. I hasn't learned - even my grandson, who's two, gets the message if you tell him off a couple of times!"
* Don't miss a two-page special on the Joey Barton situation in tonight's Shields Gazette.
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Weather for South Shields
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
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Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
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