JOEY Barton has had a drink in more last chance saloons than anyone we can think of.

Every time he lets down himself, his employers, and the fans who keep him fabulously well paid, he gets another opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

Last September, when the Newcastle United player was given a 12-match ban – six of them suspended – for a vicious training ground assault on former Manchester City team-mate Ousame Dabo, we said he had run out of chances.

And it is with a feeling of inevitability that we are back to square one, reporting the suspension of Barton amid further controversy.

At a time when Newcastle United need experienced, calm heads to get them out of the relegation mire, Barton predictably lost his cool against Liverpool at the weekend.

Not only was he sent off for a needless and dangerous tackle, he became embroiled in a row with Newcastle manager Alan Shearer after the game.

How many more last chances does Joey Barton need? His time is up.