Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has made an astonishing attack on former Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo.
The Sun says Barton today is a teetotal, changed man at Newcastle, a world away from the vicious thug who brought shame on himself at City following an appalling clash with Frenchman Dabo in May 2007.
This week, the midfielder told So Foot: "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.
"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.
"Ousmane was bigger than me. But it happened just like that. Bang, bang, bang and it was over. The truth is he started the fight and I finished it.
"I am not a monster. I don't like fighting. But it's human to defend yourself. Humans defend themselves, no?
"The problem is I hit him three times. But he comes to me and slap. What does he expect? That I say no problem, I forgive you?
"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."
Barton also revealed he has a passion for racehorses and added: "Maybe I could call one horse Ousmane. If they have cut off his b***s or he is too slow.
