As we all know, Ashley wanted Barton kicked out of Newcastle when he was sent to jail ... so there is history between the two.
A story in The Independent claimed Ashley made the comments while out drinking on Thursday night, supposedly making a throat-cutting gesture as he discussed Pardew's future.
Joey Barton: "I spent time up there, and the club deserve better.
"It just seems typical of the way things are done up there. If I'm the manager, I do not wanna be hearing or reading that."