Glasgow Rangers midfielder Joey Barton’s Ibrox career hangs in the balance it seems.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Alan Brazil has given his views on Joey Barton’s situation at Rangers.
Rangers extended the 34-year-old’s three-week suspension by another week on Sunday.
The decision came a few days after Barton was charged by the Scottish Football Federation for allegedly betting on 44 football matches – including a wager on Celtic to suffer a heavy defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League, which they lost 7-0.
The ex-Newcastle United midfielder only joined Rangers in the summer, and The Telegraph reported that the Gers would have to pay off the remainder of his £2 million contract if they cannot find legal reasons to warrant terminating his contract.
Asked on talkSPORT if the Scottish giants should pay him off, Brazil said: “I think they’re going to have to. £2 million has been mentioned and I don’t think they have £2 million to pay.”
Rangers have not lit the Premiership alight since Barton’s suspension, picking up four points from a possible nine, but they were equally as inconsistent prior to the ex-England international’s ban.
They picked up nine points from a possible 15 in games which Barton featured.
Mark Warburton’s side are fifth in the Premiership, seven points behind top-of-the-table Celtic – who thrashed the Gers 5-1 last month, Barton’s last appearance to date – but the Bhoys have also played one match less.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton with’ Joey Barton at the end of the game
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