Ahead of the Black Cats clash against Barton's Fleetwood Town at the Stadium of Light tonight, we’ve delved into the archives to find some of the one-time England international's attempts to goad Sunderland fans over the years – on everything from Simon Mignolet and Jack Ross to Paolo Di Canio.
Simply scroll down and click through the pages to take a look.
5. Barton then flew into Di Canio from behind during Steve Harper's testimonial
A rash tackle on the Italian manager who was Sunderland's boss at the time. Photo: Shaun Botterill
6. Barton enters into scuffle with Phil Bardsley in the 2011 Wear-Tyne derby
Bardsley was booked for the exchange and ended up getting sent off later on in the game. Photo: Getty
7. After reports linked him with a move from Newcastle to Sunderland
"If I had gone there I would probably have been lynched." Photo: Stu Forster
8. On on ex-Black Cats stopper and Simon Mignolet
"People perhaps forget that he was the Sunderland goalie it's not like he's got top-class pedigree. He's not an international goalkeeper." Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos