Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has criticized American officials for denying him a visa for the soccer club's preseason trip to the country.
The 28-year-old Barton served a 74-day jail sentence in 2008 after being convicted of attacking two men outside a restaurant in central Liverpool.
In a club statement, Barton said: ''I don't expect to be treated any differently or more favorably than anyone else in a similar situation.''
But on Twitter he said the decision was ''totally hypocrisy considering what they get up to, but rules are rules.'' He added: ''they told me am not allowed in until I have 5yrs without any trouble. 3yrs down, 2yrs to go...''
Instead of going to the United States on Sunday, Newcastle says Barton will go to the Netherlands on Thursday with the reserve team.
