After Eduardo, why would Arsenal ever turn the other cheek? Teams foul them as strategy. I love Keegan, but getting run 3-0, he puts Barton in with 2 minutes left and voilà, he fouls Nasri. Please spare me the Joey Barton sympathy. He makes millions, that's redemption enough. Astonishing.

Brendan, Seattle, United States

So, fouling an opponent, off the ball, is now fair enough as long as the perpetrator is "teaching (someone) a lesson", and French?

Thanks for setting us straight Alyson - do I have your permission to give the frequently late, cocky (French) temp. at work a clip round the ear tomorrow?

Kyle, Ullapool,

Padraig-
When the referee misses such a blatant attempt to injure, the team MUST protect their own. Not doing so sets a weak example that other teams will exploit. Well done Gael & Samir. I'd have either of you on my ice hockey team. At least I know you'd protect ME from vicious and stupid hits.

Shannon, Richmond, VA, USA

Barton went in way over-the-top like a 5 legged camel into Nasri, who retaliated by 'clipping' him a few moments later. Both challenges were uncalled for. But come on.....if we have to compare, which was worse?? Nasri (& Clichy) were spot on.

Don, Birmingham,

many football writers have never played the game and this is apparent in their pronouncements.barton played the ball, perhaps with too much zeal at 3-0 down in the closing minutes.it is not up to players to go looking for revenge for their injured friend.

padraig, lyon, france

Barton's first involvement was to try and deliberately injure Nasri with his first tackle.

The veangeful smirk afterwards shows barton's lack of class.

And Nasri got a yellow for that trip Keith so what is the problem?

Good to see clichy show him up in the right way with a nutmeg.

MK, AU,

You guys gotta be blind or something.. i have no problem with the thug going in twofeeted in the tackle but how are you missing how he thrust his shoulder and elbow into nasri's thigh? He wasnt tackled by someone else.. the guy he hurt tripped him. Gunners play well and tackle, not JUST tackle.

Asif Hasan, London, England

Anyone who says that Barton's tackle on Nasri was fair should maybe switch to rugby. Yes, he may have won the ball with his feet, but his elbow goes flying into Nasri's legs (quite deliberately). His smirking grin afterwards showed the intent was there. He should not have been on the pitch anyway.

Richard, Amsterdam, Netherlands

While I am an Arsenal fan, and by no means a fan of Joey Barton, surely we need to allow Barton the opportunity to redeem himself. I am aware that his disciplinary record, both on and off the pitch, is appalling, but isn't one of the main reasons for putting people in prison rehabilitation?

Nigel Armsby, London, England

That 'report' is an absolute disgrace. How can you condone (or even applaud) what Nasri did? If Barton had done that, there would have been uproar from the likes of you, Alyson.
Joey Barton has served his time, It's not like he raped or killed anyone! Get over it!

Michael, London, England

Barton's tackle on Nasri was excellent, full blooded but fair. If it had been any other player the commentators would have been praising him. Nasri showed his childish petulance by then fouling Barton. He'll need to toughen up to survive in the Premiership, he'll have a shock when they play Bolton.

Stewart, Abu Dhabi, UAE

So because Barton has served a jail sentence it is ok to foul him and recieve no punishment.If Barton had "clipped "Nasri there would have been hell on. It is high time the media left Barton and Newcastle to get on with playing football.

keith, lincoln, england