Barton suspended by Rangers

Rangers have suspended Joey Barton for three weeks after claiming “time and space” is required following his much-publicised row with a team-mate in the aftermath of their 5-1 thrashing by Celtic.

Barton and team-mate Andy Halliday traded verbal insults in a debrief session after the September 10 defeat at Celtic Park, with manager Mark Warburton also reportedly involved.

The former Newcastle United and QPR midfielder subsequently issued an apology but was nevertheless banished from the club for a week and called to Ibrox on Monday morning to hear if further action was to be taken.

A Rangers statement confirmed he had been told to stay away for an extended period.

Club Statement: https://t.co/3N5z4YV8sN pic.twitter.com/UzJjP0XOKb

— Rangers FC (@RangersFC) September 19, 2016

It read: “Joey Barton has today been suspended by the club and will not return to Ibrox or Auchenhowie for a period of three weeks.

“The manager, Mark Warburton, and club believe that time and space is required for both the club and the player to assess all that has happened.

“Neither party will make any further statement or comment on this issue.”

Barton joined the Glasgow club in the close-season after his contract at Burnley expired.