NEWCASTLE, England -- Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association on Thursday after he appeared to punch Blackburn's Gamst Pedersen on Wednesday.

Barton, who has a history of violent incidents, appeared to punch Pedersen in the stomach, sending the Blackburn midfielder to the ground. The FA reviewed the incident because referee Michael Jones did not see it.

"Newcastle United FC midfielder Joey Barton has today [Thursday] been charged with violent conduct by the FA following an incident in his side's fixture with Blackburn Rovers FC," an FA statement read.

Barton was previously fined and suspended for assaulting teammate Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City and spent 77 days in jail in 2008 for assaulting a teenager at a McDonald's in Liverpool. He also put a lit cigar into the eye of teammate Jamie Tandy during a Christmas party in 2004 and threatened a fan in 2005.

The 28-year-old, who has played once for England, has until Friday at 6 p.m. to appeal the latest charge. If Barton pleads guilty, he will receive a three- game ban, but risks a longer suspension if he appeals.