Joey Barton charged by the FA

Barton's moment of madness

QPR captain Joey Barton has been charged on two acts of violent conduct during QPR’s final match of the season against Manchester City, the Football Association announced in a statement released earlier today. Barton was dismissed at the Etihad Stadium for an elbow on City striker Carlos Tevez and the 30 year old midfielder reacted by proceeding to knee Sergio Aguero from behind and aimed a head butt at City captain Vincent Kompany.

As Barton had already been dismissed when the second two incidents occurred, the FA has ruled they fell outside of the referee Mike Dean’s jurisdiction. The FA statement read:

“The FA has today charged Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton in relation to two acts of alleged violent conduct during Sunday’s match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

“Following the player’s dismissal in the 54th minute of the fixture, there followed two incidents involving Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero and Vincent Kompany. As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside of the jurisdiction of the referee.

“Barton has until 6pm on Tuesday 15 May to respond to the charges.”

Barton has already incurred a four-match suspension for the initial incident as the dismissal on the final day of the season was his second red card of the season. Charges of violent conduct, if proven, will impose a further three-game ban.