Farewell, Angry Joey

It's a late news that Joey Barton, English midfielder at Burnley, has been banned for 18 months and consequently announced his retirement from football. According to the Football Association, Barton has gambled on more than 1200 sports bets in the last 10 years, violating the rules that prevent professional footballers to gamble money on sports events.

The former Newcastle and Manchester City player defended himself by declaring to be affected by addiction to gambling - apparently due to his cultural background - and also provided the FA with all the medical documentation about it. As a matter of fact, though, unless second thoughts or punishment reductions following an appeal, Barton will be forced to an early retirement from the sports activity. To say that the football world will miss his presence will probably be a stretch, but for sure the English football is going to lose a character that, in his own way, became a legend for the supporters.