Kevin Keegan backs jail thug Joey Barton
Published 00:00 25/08/08 By
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will make a personal plea to the FA next month when Joey Barton faces the governing body's disciplinary chiefs.
The Scouser, 25, is set to appear before the FA on September 5 after admitting violent conduct towards former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.
Toon midfielder Barton was given a four-month suspended sentence for assaulting Dabo, and spent 74 days in jail for assault in a separate incident.
Now Keegan has pledged to attend the FA hearing, claiming Barton should be given yet another chance.
Keegan declared: "I will appear personally at the hearing if required. Definitely.
"I supported him at court - so why am I not going to do it at the FA? If you believe they have turned a corner, you believe they have turned a corner.
"So I will just support him 100 per cent.
"I know a lot of people don't agree with me.
"It is for me to make that decision on Barton and I have made what I think is the right decision."
