Newcastle ace Barton gives his version of infamous bust-up with Dabo

London, Apr 8(ANI): Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has reopened his feud with former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton was involved in an infamous training ground bust-up with Dabo four years ago while at City, which resulted in the Frenchman ending up in hospital

The 28-year-old remains bitter about Dabo's decision to press charges following the incident, and he has now given his version of events for the first time.

"You know the Ousmane Dabo thing, I have never really given my side of the story. But it's him who hit me from behind with his hand. And when he did that, I hit him back. So, he started it. I didn't," the Sun quoted Barton, as saying.

"Me, when I am attacked, I defend myself. I grew up in the street, I come from a working-class family in Liverpool and there, when you fight, there are no rules. You have to defend yourself."

"Of course, it wasn't the best response. But I am a man. If someone hits me, I respond as a man. I am not a whore. Frankly, Ousmane is a little pussy. Where I come from, when you fight there is no rule. You fight 'til it's over," he added.

Barton had received a four-month suspended prison sentence for assault along with 200 hours community service as well as a six-game ban from the Football Association. (ANI)