Lock 'im up. Oh, wait a minute . . .

Keith, Milwaukee, WI, USA

To think that someone like that is paid a basic of £3.25m a year for kicking a ball around.

Newcaste and Keegan should be ashamed of themselves for their lack of moral strength. I will appreciate seeing Keegan having a very poor season while listening to his Mr Nice Guy whining.

Marek, London,

The FA needs to look across the pond to the NFL.
They ban their players for a year for getting arrested (not even convicted in some cases).
The player can't return to a team until he's met with the head of the NFL and agreed to conditions that risk him being banned further if he misbehaves again.

Mike, Boston, USA

The FA's not "out to get" NUFC. Likewise, JB's job's not to be a role model. But the FA can't let him act the prat w/o reproach. Even w/ the FA's many flaws, it's well w/in FA interests and rights to enforce respect and good behavior from and between players in their very publicized leagues.

Shannon, Richmond, VA, USA

Whilst the length of this potential ban seems excessive, I feel that Barton, more than most, needs more time to reflect on his life. As he didn't serve a full jail sentence, then maybe an extra ban from the game will give him time address his anger management issues. Use it wisely Joey.

Tom Hicks, Kingswinford, West Midlands

Barton is a young football player who needs counselling from the FA .
He has already been punished by the society and the football fraternity should now rehabilitate him.
He makes a living out of playing football and the FA should not hang the man twice.Pardon him!
"Supreme Court"-Canada.

Richard, Richmond Hill, Canada.

You either ban him completely or accept that he has paid his debt to society and let him get on with his career.
Barton could do himself some favours by donating his salary to some good causes.

Michael, London,

tt from London; why the hell are footballers role models...i can understand that they need to set a good example for the sport, but if a child is looking to use the character of someone to be inspired by then why not pick someone with substance, such as those who give their time to charity.

Russell, Peterborough, uk

Newcastle have previous. They signed both Jonathon Woodgate and Lee Bowyer after their troubles at Leeds - and Bowyer later tried to beat bells out of a teammate too. I have some sympathy for KK though - it's not his fault he's forced to spend £3m a year of his players budget on the lad.

William White, Crewe,

Newcastle are penalised because they signed him after this incident becasue he was "cheap". The risk was in the price.

I despair of football. You earn £55k a week because you play a popualr sport and you are a role model. Im involved with under 6 football. Anyone know how we explain this one?

tt, london,

Agree with Peter in NZ. NUFC knew about Barton's baggage and could have foreseen legal or FA action, but had no moral or financial qualms over signing him. The FA is right to act now. He was released more than 15 weeks early from his custodial sentence, so no difference in availability to NUFC.

Christian, Hong Kong,

Why should NUFC take the hit and sack Barton losing millions of pounds. Surely, Man City should do the decent thing and offer to reimburse Barton's fee if NUFC sack him. Man City are the only winners here. Why should the FA impose further sanctions, Barton has repaid his debt to society supposedly.

Robert, Tokyo,

They are penalising Barton - not the club - and rightfully so. That Newcastle signed him knowing his history just makes mugs of Newcastle! I can't believe anyone wants him. There is no place in team sport for a thug who beats bells out of his own team mate! The guys a disgrace. 15 weeks is nothing.

Peter, Wellington, New Zealand

If Mike Ashley really wanted to impose some discipline on his team he would send the message that this behavior is unacceptable in modern business ('the game') - sack him and see what happens. Nike appear to be able to stand by their principles so why can't the club.

Oliver, London,

Why did they take so long to arrive at this decision, and why are Newcastle penalised instead of Man City?

Mick, Blyth, Northumberland