Video: Gervinho Sending Off - Joey Barton Incident

Arsenal's opening Premier League game of the season ended in a goalless draw to Newcastle. However, the main talking point will be the incident which saw Arsenal's new recruit, Gervinho, sent off in a scuffle with Joey Barton.

As the Arsenal striker made his way inside the box, he dropped the shoulder and was clipped ever so slightly by Cheik Tiote. It was a clear dive, and the referee, Martin Atkinson waved play on, but it didn't quell Barton's fury at the dive. He confronted Gervinho, and began the scuffle.

There was no need for the rest, and on the opening day of the season, it is not what anyone wanted to witness. Both held each-other by the scruff of the neck, and as players from either side rushed in to intervene, Barton fell dramatically holding his face. Gervinho was sent off thanks to Barton's almost fictional blow to the face.

Wenger understandably didn't think Gervinho should have been sent off, and is thinking about appealing the decision. The Arsenal boss said:

"I think Gervinho didn't deserve a red card, he should give a red to the two players or a yellow to the two."

“I dont know why Joey Barton has grabbed him at the throat to get him up. I think thats a yellow card." 

"I feel the referee has not seen it and the linesman has not seen it properly. I'm one hundred percent sure that the referee did not see the incident so I would like to know who made the decision."

“Will I appeal? I will have a good look at it but I am tempted to say yes.”

Arsenal had been linked to Barton over the summer, as his future with Newcastle was up for debate. After this performance, I doubt he would be welcome in the Arsenal side by any of the players, particularly Gervinho.

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55% Vote Against Arsenal Signing Joey Barton

A few weeks ago, reports were coming out from all angles that Arsenal and Arsene Wenger were preparing a move for Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton, and then it emerged that Arsenal had made contact with Newcastle over the availability of Barton. This wasn't the most popular of transfer rumours among Arsenal fans - or so I thought, because when the poll asking if Arsenal should bid for Joey Barton was put up on the blog, there was a larger positive response than first thought.

In the end, 107 (44%) people voted "yes", Arsenal should bid for Barton, while 131 (55%) voted against the idea of seeing Barton grace the Emirates. The "no's" won the poll, but it shows that it isn't quite as clear a consensus as some think, with almost half of the voters believing Barton could add the grit, determination and edge that perhaps Arsenal have been missing. 

Barton is a good midfielder with a lot of character, but the largest obstacle is his controversial past and the possibility that he may not get along with the rest of the squad or even Arsene Wenger. He may not be a very popular figure among the Arsenal fans either, and the risk of them turning against him after one erratic or questionable on field incident may not be good for team morale.

Arsene Wenger would have to decide whether the good points and desirable qualities about Joey Barton outweigh the not so attractive and risky qualities he brings with him. 

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VOTE: Should Arsenal Buy Joey Barton?

Should Arsenal Bid For Joey Barton?

Arsenal have been linked to the controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, with reports suggesting that Arsene Wenger has shown an interest in Barton and contacted Newcastle about acquiring his services. Barton has only a year remaining on his current contract, and he has been told by the Northern club that his deal will not be renewed, leaving Barton looking for a new club for the future.

Wenger's interest suggests a change in philosophy, as the 28 year-old Englishman is renowned for his tenacity and tough tackling on the field as well as his controversial actions off it. This is in stark contrast to Arsenal's seamless passing style which often means the Arsenal players are victims of tough tackles which Wenger is so opposed to.

However, Barton has shown in his time at Newcastle that he is far more mature than his early days as a footballer, and is ready to make up for lost time from back when he was a regular in court and therefore missing for football training and matches at Manchester City. He was vital in Newcastle's promotion to the Premier League and their securing of a place in it last season, and has shown that he is an excellent motivator and leader in a football team -a quality which has been lacking at Arsenal in their disappointing and trophy less last few seasons.

Some Arsenal fans may remain sceptical over his on and off-field antics, with him still being branded a "thug", especially after the incident against Blackburn last season in which he hit, punched, harshly shoved, whatever you want to call it, Morten Gamst Pederson in the chest. Would Wenger be able to defend these kinds of actions? Could he control Barton's behaviour? Could he nurture him into a quality midfielder? Should Arsenal attempt to buy him, or are there better options? Have your say.

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