Barton banned for 12 matches

Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton has been given a 12-match ban for violent conduct in the clash against Manchester City.

Barton was handed an extra eight-match ban to add to the four matches the midfielder was set to miss after receiving a red card, as well being fined 75,000 pounds.

Confrontations with Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany were cited, but as they occurred after the player was sent off, it was seen as a separate offence to that involving Carlos Tevez, and the latter incidents fell outside of the referee’s jurisdiction.

Barton accepted the charge of violent conduct against Aguero, who he kneed, but denied the allegation he attempted to headbutt Kompany.

An FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has today (Wednesday) dealt with two charges of violent conduct against Joey Barton, arising from the game against Manchester City, resulting in an eight-match suspension and 75,000-pound fine for the Queens Park Rangers midfielder.

“This eight-match suspension is to run consecutively to the four-game suspension Barton was already given for his dismissal in the fixture, making a total of 12 matches.”

The chairman of the Independent Regulatory Commission said: “There are rules of conduct that should be adhered to, and such behaviour tarnishes the image of football in this country, particularly as this match was the pinnacle of the domestic season and watched by millions around the globe.”