Joey Barton blasts "Ayatollah" Mike Ashley

Joey Barton has blasted Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, branding the sports retailer an "Ayatollah".

The Queens Park Rangers captain, who moved from Newcastle this summer, revealed that he was forced out of the North East club in a row over bonuses.

While he does not hold a grudge against Toon boss Alan Pardew, Barton says that Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias are the reason why he would never return to Newcastle.

"The manager was different class but I wouldn't want to go back and work for those two cretins," Barton said.

"Ashley is the Ayatollah. Nothing happens without his say."

QPR are currently 11th in the Premier League with 15 points from 13 games.