Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has been denied a visa for his club's tour of America.
The controversial player was jailed in 2008 after admitting to assaulting a man in Liverpool City Centre.
Barton used his Twitter account to criticise the decision.
He said: "Visa story is correct, they told me am not allowed in until I have 5yrs without any trouble. 3yrs down, 2yrs to go... Total hypocrisy considering what they get up to but rules are rules."
Barton has worked hard on restoring his reputation after a series of high-profile incidents - seeking the help of the Sporting Chance clinic set up by former England defender Tony Adams.
He played a key part in Newcastle's 12th place finish in the Premier League last season and had expected to be involved in the three pre-season friendlies arranged in the US.
Instead he will travel with the reserve squad on their tour of the Netherlands.
In a statement posted on the Newcastle United website , Barton said sorry to the fans.
"Unfortunately, I was denied a visa due to my past... All I can do is continue to improve as a person, which I intend to do. Again, apologies to all the NUFC supporters."
Doubts remain over Barton's future at Newcastle - his contract expires at the end of the season and the two parties are yet to agree a new deal.
The controversial player was jailed in 2008 after admitting to assaulting a man in Liverpool City Centre.
Barton used his Twitter account to criticise the decision.
He said: "Visa story is correct, they told me am not allowed in until I have 5yrs without any trouble. 3yrs down, 2yrs to go... Total hypocrisy considering what they get up to but rules are rules."
Barton has worked hard on restoring his reputation after a series of high-profile incidents - seeking the help of the Sporting Chance clinic set up by former England defender Tony Adams.
He played a key part in Newcastle's 12th place finish in the Premier League last season and had expected to be involved in the three pre-season friendlies arranged in the US.
Instead he will travel with the reserve squad on their tour of the Netherlands.
In a statement posted on the Newcastle United website , Barton said sorry to the fans.
"Unfortunately, I was denied a visa due to my past... All I can do is continue to improve as a person, which I intend to do. Again, apologies to all the NUFC supporters."
Doubts remain over Barton's future at Newcastle - his contract expires at the end of the season and the two parties are yet to agree a new deal.
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