The midfielder has been suspended by Rangers boss Mark Warburton.
Joey Barton applauds fans as he is substituted
Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that it is bizarre that Rangers have allowed the Joey Barton situation to reach the point it has.
The midfielder joined the club in the summer transfer and was considered something of a coup for Mark Warburton’s side.
It has proved to be a disaster so far, though, with several unimpressive displays putting the pressure firmly on him.
Things went from bad to worse this week as he was suspended for three weeks by the club following an incident with fellow midfielder Andy Halliday and manager Mark Warburton in training.
Rangers’ Joey Barton in action with Burnley’s Dean Marney
It has left his future at the club very much in doubt and Murphy is not impressed by the way it has been handled.
“It’s a negative thing for the club for this to happen,” he told talkSPORT.
“I would have done everything I can within the club to keep it in house. I find it bizarre that it has got to this point.”
Rangers’ Joey Barton looks dejected
I will certainly be interesting to see what happens regarding Barton and Rangers in future.
At this moment in time, it would appear that he has no future at the club with them clearly sending him a message via this suspension.
He is, though, still among the best players in their squad and it will be intriguing to discover if Mark Warburton believes it is worth the risk of giving him another chance.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton with’ Joey Barton at the end of the game
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