Joey Barton, the newly-appointed manager of Bristol Rovers, has reportedly lost weight and is now leading a prison football team. The former Manchester City, Newcastle, and QPR midfielder has a history of controversial behaviour both on and off the pitch.
Barton has been convicted of two violent crimes and has served time in prison. He has also been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association on three occasions. His temper has led to incidents involving teammates, opposition players, and even a cast member of The Only Way is Essex.
One of his most notorious controversies occurred in December 2004, when he stubbed a lit cigar in the eye of youth player Jamie Tandy during a Christmas party. Barton was fined £60,000 by Manchester City and later paid £65,000 in damages to Tandy.
In another incident during a pre-season tour in Bangkok in 2005, Barton clashed with a 15-year-old Everton fan and then turned on his own captain, Richard Dunne. He was fined eight weeks' wages and ordered to undergo anger management therapy.
Despite his troubled past, Barton has taken on a role leading a prison football team, reportedly shedding weight in the process. His appointment as Bristol Rovers manager marks a new chapter in his career, though his history of controversy continues to follow him.
