Arsenal's Gael Clichy has
claimed Joey Barton has few friends among the Premier League's
French contingent.
The Newcastle midfielder spent much of pre-season behind bars at
Strangeways prison in Manchester, but made a controversial return
to action as a late substitute against the Gunners on Saturday.
A chorus of boos from those inside Emirates Stadium greeted his
appearance on the sidelines this weekend, while he still managed to
make the headlines for his fleeting on-field antics.
A strong challenge on Samir Nasri set the tone, with the France
international taking retribution with a cynical trip minutes
later.
The introduction of Barton marred a game which should have been
remembered for another demonstration of Arsenal's free-flowing
capabilities.
However, the focus switched elsewhere as Clichy admitted in the
aftermath of the clash that he was happy with Nasri's actions.
"We know the guy," said the full-back.
"He wanted to make something for his first game back and I don't
want to talk about it but Samir did well and I'm proud of him."
Barton currently has a four-month suspended sentence hanging
over him for assaulting former team-mate Ousmane Dabo during his
time at Manchester City.
He is due to appear in front of the Football Association on
Friday to hear the full extent of the punishment he will face for
the attack, a ruling which is expected to once again put him out of
action for some time.
Arsene Wenger accepts the one-cap England international may have
riled Dabo's fellow Frenchman with his actions, but revealed Nasri
should not have ignited an already contentious issue.
"I don't know if it's linked with that (Dabo)," said the Gunners
boss.
"It can always be an explanation, but not an excuse.
"You want to be controlled. I believe we should focus always on
what is right in the game.
"We do not want players doing that. Even if you're provoked, you
have to control yourself."