The Football Association have confirmed they will not investigate allegations that Joey Barton made a racist comment to Gabriel Agbonlahor during Aston Villa's game at Newcastle.

Villa's England Under-21 striker had already decided he did not want to take the matter further and his club have now said they will not make a complaint either.

As a consequence, the FA consider the matter closed and said in a statement: "We wrote to Aston Villa to ask for any information the club could provide regarding allegations reported in the media of remarks made by Joey Barton to Gabriel Agbonlahor during Monday's match. The club responded to inform us that they have no complaints to make. On this basis we will not be pursuing this matter."

Agbonlahor could be in UEFA Cup action against Slavia Prague tonight, although Villa boss Martin O'Neill will give some of his fringe players a run-out before their Premier League match against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

O'Neill has played down Villa's chances of handing Slavia their first defeat of the season at the Eden Stadion tonight.

He said: "From what I've seen so far, and from the reports, they're a very talented side who keep the ball exceptionally well, but that is probably no surprise.

"They're playing on their own pitch at their new ground, and with the crowd right behind them, I think it will be exceptionally difficult for us.

"I also think at the same time it should be a good experience for some of my players as well. I'm hoping our preparation is as strong and determined as Slavia's will be for us."