Joey Barton: 'Alan Pardew incident over-hyped'

Former Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has said that this afternoon's controversial incident involving Alan Pardew has been "over-hyped".

Pardew was sent off during Newcastle's 4-1 victory over Hull City, with the manager believed to have headbutted Tigers midfielder David Meyler.

However, Barton has been quick to comment on the incident on Twitter.

Seen Pardew incident. As per usual. Massively over-hyped...

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 1, 2014

Don't let a couple of stupid incidents detract from the job he has done at Newcastle. Especially with what goes on behind the scenes there.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 1, 2014

Following the incident, Pardew came out immediately to apologise.