English Premiership
Tweeter Barton 'frames' burglar
2011-08-15 19:05
Newcastle - Controversial Newcastle midfielder and Twitter lover Joey Barton revealed on Monday he had had a role in helping police catch a burglar after hearing a disturbance at a neighbour's house.
Barton, who over the summer variously quoted George Orwell and George Washington, among others, to express unease at Newcastle's transfer policy, wrote: "5.26am, was awoken by a banging sound, burglar attempting to break in to neighbours house.
"Needless to say he was disturbed and apprehended.
"He was so subtle he attempted to put a massive log through the window in broad daylight."
Police viewed CCTV footage taken from Barton's home in a Newcastle suburb to identify the would-be thief.
Northumbria Police said they received reports of a disturbance and went to investigate.
"Officers searched the area and a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary," police said.
Barton had Saturday been the centre of attention in Newcastle's goalless home draw with Arsenal.
He grabbed hold of Gunners' striker Gervinho, who was then red-carded for striking out at the Newcastle midfielder, while Barton himself was booked.