Newcastle United MF Barton Suspended Six Matches

September 6, 2008 5:40 a.m. EST

London, England (AHN) - Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton will miss six matches as a disciplinary measure for his attack on former teammate Ousmane Dabo when the pair were together at Manchester City.

The incident occurred during a Manchester City training session in May 2007 and the Football Association waited for legal proceedings to clear first.

Barton who has reportedly battled an alcohol issue, was let off with a four-month suspended prison term, though he served a 74 days in the pen for reportedly beating up a teenager in a different incident.

"The commission members wanted to punish the offence appropriately but give Mr Barton an opportunity to ensure his professional conduct does not falter again and ensure he is fully aware of the consequences should he make another serious error of judgment," independent regulatory commission chairman Maurice Armstrong said in a statement.

Dabo sustained cuts, bruises and a possible detached retina from the incident.

Barton could be handed another six-game ban if he does not behave.