Allardyce backing for Barton

Sam Allardyce took time out after Newcastle's fourth defeat in five Barclays Premier League games - a 3-1 defeat to Blackburn - to back Joey Barton.

The former Manchester City midfielder had gone public on matchday to express his anger at a section of the Newcastle support, saying some of the criticism during the recent run was "vicious".

Allardyce said: "Joey is a strong man with a strong opinion. He likes to say what he thinks. But some of the interview he did was shredded and taken out of context. Joey's commitment to Newcastle was there for the fans to see."

He added: "You could also see their commitment to him and the rest of the team. I have to say thanks to all those fans who made the journey.

"It is really difficult to take after the support we had, that we got nothing from the game.

"It was a terrific effort and we had lots of opportunities to win but this is the Premier League and it is a cruel place."

To complete a miserable day, Newcastle pair Abdoulaye Faye (calf) and Stephen Carr (hamstring) were both injured.

Allardyce said: "We were in control of game for long periods but unfortunately we fell foul of being caught on the break. That is the disappointing thing for me.

"When we got in front, instead of going 2-0 up we went 1-1. At that particular time Charles N'Zogbia had a chance to make it 2-0 but was wrongly ruled offside.

"They go up the other and score. While I am bitterly upset at the result, the performance was excellent."