Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has defended his decision to sign controversial midfielder Joey Barton, and called on his club to give the player some support as he looks to rebuild his career.

"If Newcastle sack him, then it will be another punishment and defeat the objective of Joey trying to put things right and become a better person," he said.

"It could also be dangerous to take away football from him. He is a complete football man. His life revolves around it, there's nothing else.

"Without it he could re-offend and, even worse, go into a depression.

"We've had people in the past committing suicide because they could not cope with life after professional football. Dave Clement, who was with me at Bolton, was one at 34 and it's very sad when something like that happens.

"If Newcastle keep Joey, this is the last chance for him."