Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will face no action for flicking out a hand at Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor. The 26-year-old found himself the subject of speculation that he could face disciplinary action after catching the Villa man in the face as he disputed a free-kick during last night's 2-0 victory for his side at St James' Park.

However, the English FA confirmed that referee Steve Bennett, who did not see the incident at the time, had decided it did not warrant a red card after considering video evidence, and there was no case to answer.

The news will come as a relief to Barton, who would invoke a six-game suspended ban imposed for his training ground attack on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo if he was sent off for violent conduct.

He had earlier pleaded his innocence after both Newcastle number two Chris Hughton and Villa boss Martin O'Neill had played down the controversy.

Barton said: "The ball came across and the referee gave a free kick, and I was debating with him because I didn't think it was a free-kick.

"I thought it was a foul against me and I had hold of the ball. Their lad came across and barged me in the back. Nothing has gone on. People are making a mountain out of a molehill.

"Don't forget, with the referee and their assistants around and all the television cameras, you know you cannot raise your hands these days, and at no stage have I done that."

Barton was later booked for a challenge on Luke Young, and he was again disappointed with the decision, although television replays suggested he had caught the fullback.

The midfielder said: "The ball is there to be won and I am going to contest it. That is a part of my game and that's what I was brought here to do and hopefully, they will just let me get on with it."