It has been mentioned in this thread and imho is 100% correct. Mike Ashley is a spoilt child who has been spurned. I realised this when, after Barton's tweets, he was immediately put on a free to anyone who would take him. This is against Ashley's normal MO - get as much wonga as poss. He simply took the huff at being criticised and lashed out like the petulant child he is.
Bless, but I think he just wants to be loved - unfortuntely he is in a very toxic relationship and it is v unlikely he will get the "love" he craves.