The former Manchester City player had admitted his part in a street attack in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27 last year.

Judge Henry Globe QC told him it was a "violent and cowardly act".

Newcastle issued a brief statement on Tuesday afternoon that gave little away as to their response.

The statement said: "Newcastle United notes the sentence passed to Joey Barton at Liverpool Crown Court today.

"The club is considering the verdict and will be making no further comment at this moment.''