Barton out of US tour.

Joey Barton will NOT be taking part in the forthcoming tour of the States and will instead travel to Holland to work with the reserves.

Joey has been declined an entry VISA to visit the US due to his past behaviour and the fact that he has a criminal record.

I'm not overly familiar with the rulings to be honest so I'm unsure what the problem is exactly, but I do know that it's tough to get into the US of you have a criminal record. To be honest it's kind of irrelevant now anyway as the decision has been made.

It's a shame for Joey, the team, and the fans who had the chance to see him up close and personal for the first time, but it's also a consequence of his actions previously which he will have to live with. Here is what Barton said to the official club website.

"Unfortunately, I was denied my visa due to my past. I regret not being able to travel with the club on this trip, but at the same time, I don't expect to be treated any differently or more favourably than anyone else in a similar situation."

"All I can do is continue to improve as a person, which is what I intend to do."

"Again, apologies to all the NUFC supporters - as well as the fast growing legions of football supporters - in the United States who I was looking forward to meeting. I will see you in the future."

On the plus side it will give another player a chance to shine, like maybe Dan Gosling for example, plus it will also give the youth and reserves a chance to mix with one of our better players for a few weeks which will of course benefit them.

Of course the ideal scenario would have been for Joey to play, train, and get to know his new team-mates, but it's not to be and that will have to be put on the backburner for a bit.

A cruel, yet unavoidable, blow for sure.