Pardew seeks Fergie's advice on Barton fiasco

London: Alan Pardew has turned to Sir Alex Ferguson in a bid to restore order at Newcastle United following Joey Barton's criticism of the club on Twitter.

The Newcastle manager revealed on Thursday legal letters had been given out to the squad banning them from discussing the club on the social networking website.

Prior to the squad meeting, Pardew sought the advice of Manchester United's manager, who said this year that "people should just go to the library and read a book" when asked for his opinions on Twitter.

Barton is not the only Newcastle player to have courted controversy on Twitter. Left back Jose Enrique was critical of the club's ambitions and it has caused Newcastle to take action.

"The problem I have with Twitter is that people are Twittering on there in an emotional state," Pardew said. "Sportsmen are an emotive people. They get in an emotional state then put something out instantly on Twitter. It's very damaging.

"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson about this subject and [Manchester United's] policy is that nobody at their club can comment about the club. I think that's probably where we should be because it is in breach of contract if you are criticising the owner or anyone at the club.

"Giving out injury news causes us a problem, so we've notified the players. They have probably seen it as another sort of dictatorial moment but we've had to issue them legally with a letter to say this is not right it's breach of contract and you're going to be fined and disciplined for that."

Pardew faced the media on Thursday at the end of the most turbulent week of his nine-month reign and for the first time since Sunday' s 3-2 defeat at Leeds, which was a catalyst for the saga.

Barton was noticeably less active on Twitter on Thursday.