Video: QPR's Joey Barton gets sent off after hitting Huddlestone in the groin area

Joey Barton is shown a red card by referee Anthony Taylor during QPR’s tie against Hull City

Joey Barton is not a calm and relaxed footballer, and his reputation for being a hot-head was further justified after he was sent off during Queens Park Ranger’s 2-1 Premier League loss against Hull City. This was his ninth career red card, and the manner it came in has surprised many of us.

In the 32nd minute of the match, the 32-year-old English midfielder lost his cool and hit Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone in his nuts right in front of referee Anthony Taylor.

Barton’s disciplinary record has been abysmal off lately, with this booking being his eight in the last eight matches. Looking back at his career in the Premier League, he has accumulated a total of 71 yellow cards and six reds.

Watch the incident here

Joey Barton going nuts again. https://t.co/xbytxSCw11

— Boylesports (@BoyleSports) February 21, 2015

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Reaction following the incident

Following the game, Barton went on to release a public apology and an explanation for the incident via his twitter account as he stated that the motive behind this action was not malicious in any manner and that he was merely protecting Darnell Furlong who was made his debut against Hull.

Young kid making his debut has made a good tackle. Couple of Hull players trying to get him sent off. My job as captain is to protect him.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 21, 2015

I'm gutted I got sent off. I've let my teammates down today and being someone who puts the team above everything else I'm gutted about that.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 21, 2015

My actions towards Huddlestone were certainly not malicious, it was a stupid reaction to being barged but I can appreciate it wasn't right.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 21, 2015

I've apologised to the lads and would like to apologise to all QPR fans who travelled today.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 21, 2015

Queens Park-Ranger manager Chris Ramsey played down the incident, as he was quoted saying, "There was a bit of a melee and obviously the referee saw something that wasn't legal, and he has sent Joey off. He is a wholehearted player. He's more disappointed for the boys, and he is a massive player for us.”

"It's always difficult when you have players who have that bit of edge, and trying to get their emotional control is the thing we need to get under wraps,” he added. "I'm sure if the incident isn't a good one when we review it, Joey will be the first one to put his hand up and admit that he probably should have acted in a different manner.