QPR captain and former City player Joey Barton has been handed a 12-match ban by the FA for his part in a fracas on the pitch during City’s game against QPR at the Etihad at the end of last season.
Barton was sent off for an off-the-ball attack on City’s Carlos Tevez early in the second half of the game which was spotted by the assistant referee and brought to the attention of referee Mike Dean who promptly sent off the former City favourite.
To add insult to injury Barton attacked Sergio Aguero as he made his way off the pitch and also appeared to try and headbutt City captain Vincent Kompany before Micah Richards saved him from a confrontation with Mario Balotelli.
These incidents, comprising two charges of violent conduct, added up to a four match ban for the attack on Tevez plus a further eight matches for Barton’s actions after his sending off which fell under the jurisdiction of the FA.
It’s expected that QPR will hold a full internal investigation of the matter.