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Don't hammer Barton - Keegan
Newcastle United, 11:09, August 24, 2008 ,
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will try to persuade the FA not to hand Joey Barton a lengthy ban by appearing at the hearing personally.
The Magpies midfielder has already admitted a charge of violent conduct and requested a personal hearing as he bids to plead his case.
And Keegan will also call for leniency if required to make an appearance before the English game's governing body.
He said: "If required I will appear in person on his behalf. I did it in court so why am I not going to do it at the FA?
"If you believe they have turned a corner, you believe they have turned a corner. If you believe it, what is wrong with saying it?"
Some reports claims Barton could receive up to a 15-game suspension for the incident in May 2007 when he was a Manchester City player.