Nazi storm Barton sparks Toon party
NEWCASTLE (6) vs ASTON VILLA (0)
NEWCASTLE’S Joey Barton kept his word and shaved off his infamous moustache after thrashing Aston Villa – but not before becoming embroiled in a Nazi gesture controversy.
Midfielder Barton opened the scoring for Chris Hughton’s men with a stunning 12th-minute strike before Andy Carroll announced his arrival as a Premier League forward with an excellent hat-trick. Goals from Kevin Nolan either side of the break completed the St James’ Park rout as Newcastle recorded their first win since returning to the top flight.
Barton, who had vowed to grow his moustache until Newcastle claimed their first Premier League victory of the season, brushed off controversy surrounding his goal celebration after he put his finger to his top lip and held his arm aloft.
“I was simply saying ‘the moustache is going’,” said Barton in response to suggestions it looked like a Nazi salute.
Magpies boss Hughton was thrilled with 21-year-old Carroll’s performance in what was Newcastle’s biggest home win for 11 years. He said: “He’s a bit of a throwback, a local lad and he took his goals very, very well.”
John Carew missed the chance to put Villa ahead from the spot before Barton’s 25-yard screamer put Newcastle ahead. Nolan doubled the home side’s lead and Carroll got his first of the day before the break. The Gateshead-born forward added the fourth and Nolan volleyed home before Carroll sealed his hat-trick with a left-footed effort in stoppage time.