Ousmane Dabo has criticised Newcastle United for lacking ‘ethics and morals’ over their decision to stand by Joey Barton, the player who pleaded guilty to assaulting his former Manchester City team-mate.
On Tuesday, Barton received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Dabo.
And Dabo, currently with Serie A side Lazio, has stated that he is content with the outcome of the trial.
The 31-year-old said: “I almost lost an eye. It was a terrible day and although I was not traumatised, I wanted the trial to come round.
“There was no confrontation, as Barton pleaded guilty straight away, and I did not need to give evidence. That says a lot about me – it shows that my version of the truth is the truth. I am happy with the outcome.
“He admits he behaved in a cowardly way, and he is a coward. We met one another on Monday. He was in one corner and me in another. He did not talk to me or apologise, but it did not trouble me to see him again.”
Dabo went on to criticise Barton’s club Newcastle – who have stayed loyal to the player who is currently serving a six-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to charges of assault and affray over an incident in Liverpool city centre on 27th December.
“English clubs teach you lots of lessons, but in this case they truly lack ethics and morals,” Dabo said.
“Newcastle have invested a lot in this guy and they do not want to lose a lot of money. The club does not care about the law and it shocks me.”
