Joey Barton and Dietmar Hamann livened up Twitter on Monday night with a bitter and lengthy feud.

With no Gary Neville to engage the Twitteratti on Monday Night Football, former Manchester City teammates Barton and Hamann provided alternative entertainment via a flurry of exchanges.

This is really not a news story (the irony is noted) given the amount of drivel Barton spouts on the social networking site. He has used the platform for his own hypocritical gratification and one media outlet was guilty of the crime of gullible.

joey barton dietmar hamann

Hamann and Barton were colleagues at City

But last night's ding dong was an amusing affair as both football men sullied themselves with neither of them winning as the loopier tweeters were left baying for more.

Below is a near-full exchange of the tweets. Naturally, Barton was the firestarter by having a pop at old club Newcastle United, who must be delighted to be shot of him 18 months on...


Joseph Barton
Watching Patriots. Just heard from a magician that Loic Remy has signed for QPR. Not sure what happened at Newcastle probably Llambas again!

Hamann, who spent one season at Newcastle, took the bait...


Didi Hamann
Joey do yourself a favour and stay out of club politics QPR and NUFC have paid you well for playing not to commentonrecruitment

Then the first irony-laden tweet from Barton...


Joseph Barton
trying to give me stick you cheeky man. Get your own life in order first...


Joseph Barton
what about they way I seen you prepare for a game. That dignified? Worst pro I've ever seen Youve got more front than Harrods


Didi Hamann
My life was in order well before yours you should light a candle for Fernandes and Llambias every day for paying you that money


Joseph Barton
you earned a few quid yourself. U choose to spunk it. Don't hate me cos ur a f*ck up!


Joseph Barton
i put the graft in mate. Not playing poker online and smoking biffas night before the game. I wouldnt let u manage a pet shop


Joseph Barton
u WHERE a good player. More to life than football, u nugget...


Didi Hamann
Never forget who pays and paid your wages my friend how you dare having a go at Llambias and Fernandes England international


Joseph Barton
Whose had a go at Fernandes? U idiot! Don't be bitter. You earned ur dough but blew it. Don't ever try to call me out maggot


Didi Hamann
No problem Joseph lets see each other in 5 years I hope I don't have to go to Walton


Didi Hamann
You said you want to boil burglars alive last week ..get a grip son and concentrate on your football ...England international


Joseph Barton
Sick of washed up former pro's giving it big portions cos they've wasted their money. Medals don't pay your kids schools fees...


Joseph Barton
Sniffed and gambled all your dough. What a waste. Left kids and wife, cos u pulled a young bird. Tragic. Now do one Tourette's face!


Joseph Barton
champions leagues medals don't make ur wife or kids respect u. Ur life like a car crash mate. Sort ur own house out!


Didi Hamann
The medals won't make my kids respect me but im not prepared to punch a child in the face in McDonald's for them to respect me


Joseph Barton
My New Years resolution right out the fucking window as well...


Joseph Barton
Don't pity him. He had it coming and got his few thousand followers, he constantly baits me for.


Didi Hamann
Never mind a new year resolution Joseph as long as you won't change the world won't

Hamann then conjured up the best hashtag ever since the cruel-yet-funny #AdeleBondsongs...


Didi Hamann
I rather tweet you Nobby as you are a nice guy and you were an outstanding player