Joey Barton stripped of QPR captaincy & fined six weeks’ wages

Joey Barton has been stripped of the Queens Park Rangers captaincy and fined six weeks’ wages following the midfielder’s dismissal at Manchester City on the final day of the season.

The 29-year-old received a straight red card for violent conduct after clashing with Argentina striker Carlos Tévez during QPR’s 3-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on 13 May.

The midfielder also lashed out at Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany before being escorted off the pitch by former City team-mate Micah Richards and QPR staff.

Barton was handed a four-game ban for the original offence with Tévez and received a further eight-game suspension for the incident with Aguero and Kompany.

QPR launched their own investigation into the events at Eastlands, leading to the former Newcastle United midfielder being relieved of the captaincy and hit with a fine.

“It was important that we took our time to make sure we came to the correct decision, which I believe we have achieve,” said QPR chief executive Philip Beard.

“Joey’s behaviour, which led to his red card at Manchester City, and his subsequent actions were completely unacceptable and we have made our feelings on this matter known to him.

“I am really pleased with the way in which the Club and Joey have worked towards reaching a sensible conclusion and we fully believe he will respond to these sanctions in the correct manner.”

The club also warned that the midfielder’s contract would be terminated if he “seriously breaches” the club’s disciplinary procedures again.

Barton commented on the punishment on his Twitter page, with the one-time England international accepting his behaviour was wrong.

“I was reckless and deserved every punishment I received,” he said. “Money comes and goes, it’s not important to me. Losing the captaincy and missing 12 games, is what really hurts. I was stupid and that what happens when u do dumb things. I am confident I’ll bounce back. Cannot wait.

“That’s all I have to say on the matter. I wish to put it behind me now and help QPR, once available of course, push on towards the top half.”

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Read more on: carlos tevez, joey barton, Manchester City, mark hughes, Premier League, Queens Park Rangers.