Barton was foolish says Blackburn assistant

Blackburn assistant manager Neil McDonald has described Joey Barton's actions as "foolish" after the Newcastle midfielder appeared to punch Morten Gamst Pedersen in last night's Barclays Premier League game at St James' Park.

Barton could find himself in trouble with the Football Association for lashing out at Pedersen during the Magpies' 2-1 defeat with a blow that caused the Norway international to fall to the ground.

As referee Michael Jones did not punish Barton after the incident, the player may face retrospective action.

Like Rovers boss Sam Allardyce, McDonald is content to let the FA deal with the matter, although he did condemn what he felt was an unprovoked attack on Pedersen.

"It's obviously foolish and it's the wrong thing to do, but no doubt the powers that be will sort that out," McDonald said.

"The pictures are there, it wasn't provoked and I'm sure they will make the right decision about what to do."

When it was suggested to him that the contact Barton made with Pedersen was a "full-blooded punch", McDonald said: "Yes it was, and it was unprovoked as well, which probably makes it worse."