PLUS: The truth behind Barton’s latest bust-up
The history of bad blood. The culture clash. A manager’s snub. All BEFORE that tunnel ‘fracas’
WHAT would end as an alleged fracas in the tunnel at Oakwell — followed by an arrest, a police probe and Joey Barton accused of assaulting Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel — actually started at Fleetwood in September.
Back then, the two sides met for a League One fixture which would ultimately turn tempestuous and set the tone for what was to follow when they clashed again last Saturday.
While Barton, who vehemently denies the allegation, and his Barnsley counterpart Stendel have hit the headlines, the reality is that there are a number of parties involved in a simmering feud that stretches back to that initial meeting on the Lancashire coast.
The first sign of tension came at Highbury, when Stendel’s assistant, fellow German Christopher Stern, was booked for his role in a dugout row. His actions did not go down well with the hosts. Neither did Stendel’s decision to skip the traditional post-match drink in Barton’s office after a 3-1 win.
Those who know the Barnsley boss say this was not an intentional snub. They say that there are cultural differences that Stendel, who did not play in England, is still learning.
There have been issues elsewhere. Officials at other clubs who have played Barnsley this season say there is a perception that Stendel himself goes over the top with his celebrations and takes things too far. ‘He’s German and similar to the likes of David Wagner and Jurgen Klopp — he doesn’t think he is causing offence by it,’ said one source.
Regardless of intent, bad blood existed between the clubs when Fleetwood made their way over the Pennines. The match itself was unhelpfully eventful.
Barnsley, chasing promotion, went 2-0 up before, in the 64th minute, Ched Evans halved the deficit. Just a minute later, however, the visitors’ Harry Souttar was shown a red card for elbowing Barnsley midfielder Cameron McGeehan — a decision
Fleetwood unsuccessfully appealled against — and things took a sharp turn for the worse.
The home side’s response to the goal was to make a substitution and Stern approached the fourth official and stood close to the away dugout, to hand him the required form. But before the sheet could be handed over, Barnsley extended their lead through McGeehan.
Stern’s subsequent celebrations angered those on the Fleetwood bench and sources have claimed that Barton acted as peacemaker after his assistant, ex-QPR and Rangers defender Clint Hill, had confronted the German.
At the final whistle following a 4-2 defeat for his side, Barton shook Stendel’s hand but kept hold of his arm and exchanged further words.
As is the case at each match, a member of Barnsley’s non-playing staff was in the area filming for a popular feature on the club’s website which takes fans behind the scenes.
His close proximity was something which angered Fleetwood, who felt his presence was antagonistic and inflamed an already simmering situation. He was told in no uncertain terms to stop by one of the visitors’ backroom team.
Stendel (right) then headed for the tunnel, in the corner of the away end and underneath the police box. Insiders claim Barton barged Stendel from behind, sending him into the tunnel’s metal supports and leaving him with damage to his two front teeth which subsequently required emergency dental treatment.
Barton has vehemently denied this was the case, denied that he had any contact with his counterpart and denied that any insults were aimed at Stendel’s nationality.
Following the incident, tempers flared between the two groups of players but sources say no punches were thrown. Two of Barnsley’s squad did, however, take to social media to make their feelings known.
Striker Cauley Woodrow tweeted that Stendel had been ‘physically assaulted by another manager’ and had ‘blood pouring from his face’, while his team-mate, Dimitri Cavare, branded Barton a ‘sale lache’, or ‘dirty coward’ in French. Both were told to remove the posts. In scenes caught by TV cameras, Barton was later stopped from leaving the ground in a car by a female police officer but eventually allowed to go. Subsequently, Barnsley are thought to have enlisted the help of their ex-chairman and former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins, who is a solicitor. The club also complained to the English Football League and Football Association, who have both opened investigations. Police officers interviewed Stendel and were at Oakwell for over an hour. It can be disclosed they have also spoken to other members of Barnsley’s staff. South Yorkshire Police confirmed they had arrested a man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and racially aggravated assault. He has been bailed until May. Officers have appealed for witnesses with video of the alleged altercation to come forward.
On Thursday, Barton took to social media to ‘emphatically deny’ the allegations. While the Fleetwood boss declined to comment beyond his statement, it is understood there is a strong desire to clear his name.
The Mail on Sunday believe there is a feeling Barton’s past has resulted in a ‘hysterical’ response and that the alleged incident has been blown out of proportion. There is also a perception that media’s reporting so far has been unfair and legal avenues are expected to be explored.
There is a perception that Stendel will celebrate too much