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.
13. On Sunderland's ex-manager Jack Ross last campaign
"If I had Sunderland's budget Id have them up by this point." Photo: Alex Livesey
14. Barton aims his brand of tough tackling towards Adnan Januzaj
Much to Sunderland fans' fury. Photo: Mark Runnacles
15. Going shirtless to celebrate Newcastle's victory over Sunderland in 2011.
Ryan Taylor's goal propelled Newcastle to a famous victory at the Stadium of Light and Barton just couldn't resist! Photo: Chris Brunskill
16. After a Fleetwood-Sunderland fixture was postponed due to international call-ups last season, Barton said:
"If Joey Barton and Fleetwood rock into town and do what we can do and what we showed last season at home and away, with a group which is nowhere near as strong as it is now, for Jack Ross, we are the last team that you want to face given their situation. They have to play us at some time because you have to play everyone twice. It’s smart to avoid us, because they know if they play us now there’s only one outcome.” Photo: Alex Davidson