Dabo labels Barton a coward

Former Manchester City midfielder Ousmane Dabo has called his former team mate Joey Barton a 'coward'. Barton met Dabo in court this week, and the Newcastle midfielder swiftly changed his plea to guilty before the beginning of the courtcase.

The 31-year-old said: "I almost lost an eye. It was a terrible day and although I was not traumatised, I wanted the trial to come round.

"There was no confrontation, as Barton pleaded guilty straight away, and I did not need to give evidence. That says a lot about me - it shows that my version of the truth is the truth. I am happy with the outcome.

"He admits he behaved in a cowardly way, and he is a coward. We met one another on Monday. He was in one corner and me in another. He did not talk to me or apologise, but it did not trouble me to see him again."