Joey Barton

The Football Association have opted to take no any action against Joey Barton after an incident involving Shaun Maloney on Saturday.

The Newcastle midfielder clashed with Maloney during the Magpies' 4-1 at Villa Park, with television pictures appearing to show him lashing out at the Aston Villa man.

But the replays were deemed "inconclusive".

Referee Lee Mason did not see the incident at the time but after reviewing footage of the first-half clash he could not say whether it would have warranted a red card.

The issue has, therefore, been dropped by the FA, meaning Barton is free to continue playing for the struggling Magpies.