Newcastle Midfielder Joey Barton Denied U.S. Visa Due to Criminal Record

Newcastle will be a man down for its preseason trip to the U.S. before its plane even leaves the ground.

Midfielder Joey Barton was denied a visa because of his criminal record and will miss the Premier League club's trip, The Associated Press reports.

Barton, 28, was jailed for 74 days after admitting assault and affray in 2008, according to the report. He took to social media to express his displeasure.

"Visa story is correct, they told me am not allowed in until I have 5yrs without any trouble. 3yrs down, 2yrs to go……….." reads a post on Barton's Twitter feed, @Joey7Barton.

Barton reportedly will travel to the Netherlands to compete with Newcastle's reserve team.