That was the time to cancel Barton's contract and throw the tosser out of the club, but due to Keegan, it didn't work that way.
Barton's history of violence (mainly against kids and ALWAYS when the odds are stacked heavily in his favour) is frightening.
But he has met his match with Shearer, who I'm sure would happily step into the ring (with or without boxing gloves) and go tot-to-toe.
But according to Barton's agent, the midfielder will hang onto the hope of collecting his £60,000 a week wages, no matter what happens.
He says Barton is determined to see out his contract at Newcastle.
You're Not Fighting Kids Now Barton!
Agent Willie McKay expects the player to remain at the club: "It's ridiculous for people to claim that Joey Barton has played his last ever game for Newcastle United because he has three years left on his contract at St James' Park and he wants to honour that commitment.
"The club pay his wages and he is still absolutely 100 percent committed to the Newcastle cause and will be for the foreseeable future.
"Obviously, though, it's the club's prerogative as to whether or not they decide they want to sell Joey or not but as far as he is concerned he remains firmly committed to doing his very best for the club.
"Whatever people might say, Joey is still a very good midfield player.
"When he's fit he's one of the best players on Newcastle's books and clubs like that generally don't get rid of their best players do they?
"Even if Newcastle do get relegated, Joey would want to stay on and play his part in making sure they bounced straight back into The Premier League but obviously the club may decide to sell him.
"That will be their decision.
"I honestly think that in the cold light of day that the tackle wasn't at bad as people first made out.
"Okay, it was a foul, but you see lots of far, far worse tackles up and down the country that don't get red cards.
"It wasn't a two-footed challenge and Xabi Alonso wasn't badly injured.
"But let's remember who was Newcastle's best player against Liverpool before that incident, and who was Newcastle's most committed player before that incident? It was Joey Barton.
"He's had a frustrating time recently because of his foot injury and this was his first game back so he's naturally very disappointed that his season has been brought to an end when Newcastle need him."