That is appalling, the fact he thinks it's normal is even more revealing.
I used to think he was just misunderstood, but no he clearly is a classless goon with no integrity or merit, what an absolute ****.
Quite, Barton was a horrible little **** in this match, for him not to be punished is outstanding, either the ref is totally incompetent and shouldn't be involved in football of any level, or as you say there is more to it than meets the eye.
The fact he didn't get a card at all is ridiculous. It's always ifs and buts, but I really think that the referee in not at least booking him cost us the match.
The ref had ample opportunities to get his cards out, it stinks that he didn't IMO.