After conducting an internal investigation, QPR Football club has done what I feared it would do; give Joey Barton a slap on the wrist.
Why they took so long to come to this decision is anyone’s guess. Barton, 29, was hit with a 12-match ban and fined £75,000 by an FA-appointed independent regulatory commission last month.
All after being dismissed for elbowing Carlos Tevez, then kicking out at Sergio Aguero as he left the pitch in the match on May 13th, before aiming a head butt in the direction of Vincent Kompany.
The club have now stripped him of the Captaincy and fined him six weeks wages which is close enough to half a million pounds.
“I apologise to the manager, my team-mates and of course the QPR fans for my actions. I also apologise to the Manchester City players, staff and supporters.”
The midfielder also reacted to the punishment on Twitter, saying: “I was reckless and deserved every punishment I received.
“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(‘s) 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.”
Sorry Joey but to me it’s too little too late. We are still in the Premier League but that could have been a different story.
I would have liked him sacked and at least the club has said he’s at the ‘last chance saloon’ as far as that goes.
Having said all that I really hope he has learnt his lesson and if, and it’s a big if, he wears the blue and white hoops again of course he will get my full backing.
Joey Barton needs help; only he can get that. I accept the clubs decision but I can’t say I agree with it. Only time will tell if it was the right one or not.
Do you agree with QPR’s decision?
image: © michael kjaer
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