Secret texts, money taunts and a broken jaw: How Carroll and Taylor had a fight on the Toon

By Simon Bird in Mirror Football Blog

Published 22:42 23/03/10

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Women, wages and ego are at the heart of the brutal bust up that left Steven Taylor with a broken jaw.

The Holy Trinity that rule a footballer’s life off the pitch combined to create the row that left the former England under-21 skipper in hospital and Carroll’s temperament, and long term future at St James’ Park, being questioned.

It’s another depressing chapter for a club unable to escape their historical ability to attract controversy because of the stupidity of their players, managers or owner.

Chris Hughton’s low-key approach had subdued the usual frenzy of Tyneside rumour and gossip surrounding the club.

But the severity of the blow and the row that preceded it – the sort that splits dressing rooms – meant the story of United’s season will not only be about promotion, but also of a flashpoint between two young Geordie heroes.

United players have not necessarily sided with Taylor over the incident, and the fact Carroll started last night shows he has the support of some team-mates.

Sources claim that £30,000-a-week Taylor and Carroll, who became a dad in September with fiancee Faye Johnstone (below), rowed over texts sent to a girl they both know.

An insider claimed: ”When the name of a girl who both have dated in the past was brought up in the row, Andy snapped.

“The pair were winding each other up. The size of their wage packets was mentioned. Taylor is on three times more than Andy and that was pointed out. Andy responded that his career was on the up and would soon be earning more. But it was the text Taylor sent to a girl that was the last straw.”

The confrontation has echoes of the John Terry-Wayne Bridge row. It highlights the highly-charged atmosphere in a dressing room when players’ love lives collide.

The whirl of young WAG wannabes who ingratiate themselves with players and become part of their scene is a recipe for turmoil when they’ve been passed around.

Earlier this month Alan Shearer went public to warn Carroll he had to beware of the temptations of life in Newcastle, but the advice fell on deaf ears. MirrorSport understands that Taylor, who has had his jaw wired, will not press criminal charges against Carroll. He was discharged from hospital in Newcastle yesterday.

Northumbria police contacted the club yesterday but neither player has made a complaint.

Instead, Taylor wants Carroll, nicknamed Avatar because he resembles the film characters, disciplined by the club and the two-week maximum fine made public, to exonerate him.

Newcastle will stand by Carroll. They do not have a track record of sacking stars for misdemeanours, Joey Barton being the obvious example. But in the long run, owner Mike Ashley may cash in on Carroll, especially after Stoke were ready to pay £4million last summer.

Carroll is facing a sensitive few months legally. He is due to appear in Crown Court in April accused of assaulting a man in the city’s famous Bigg Market.

That leaves Newcastle with a dilemma. If anyone goes on the record from the club to admit this week’s incident it could open up a police investigation, further complicating Carroll’s court case.

Newcastle players and staff have been sworn to secrecy. Sources close to Taylor refused to comment last night.

In a separate incident he was arrested and cautioned in September over an alleged assault on a woman. He also had a punch-up in January last year with ex-team-mate Charles N’Zogbia.

Carroll travelled to Doncaster by car yesterday after treatment on his hand injured in the bust up and started up front.

No matter what disciplinary trouble footballers in Newcastle find themselves, they are forgotten in the pursuit of results.

Should Taylor’s jaw derail Newcastle’s promotion push, one behind-closed doors incident will be high on the agenda if an inquest is needed.

Stan Collymore comment: 'There's nothing wrong with a good dressing room scrap'

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