BEING in the public eye attracts publicity and with fame and fortune comes pressure. There are many celebrities who handle it well, but there are numerous examples of the actor, footballer, singer or politician whose problems have been exposed in newspapers or across TV screens.

Sometimes we feel sympathy and can identify with their plight, but not always.

Take the case of Newcastle United's Joey Barton - a talented footballer, but more often in the news for all the wrong reasons.

He admitted charges of assault and affray when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court (Echo, May 21), was sentenced to six months' jail and, like everyone else, has to suffer the consequences.

Yet to my surprise, manager Kevin Keegan is refusing to rule out Barton continuing as a United player. What message does that give to young people as fans or aspiring footballers?

Violence in whatever form is too often regarded as cool and macho.

As a nation we are trying to reverse that tide and everyone has a role to play. Being in the public eye carries a responsibility to build positive impressions to a generation which is often susceptible.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.