City suspend Barton
Barton has a history of bad behaviour
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Tuesday, 01, May 2007 08:14
Manchester City have suspended midfielder Joey Barton until the end of the season after a training-ground bust-up.
The 26-year-old was apparently involved in a fight with fellow first-team player Ousmane Dabo at the club's Carrington complex and will now miss the remainder of the club's matches this season.
The circumstances surrounding the disagreement are as yet undisclosed but Barton's future at Eastlands is now shrouded in doubt after his latest indiscretion.
City's head of communications Paul Tyrrell said: "We can confirm that a player has been suspended until the end of the season, pending an internal investigation into a training incident at the Carrington complex.
"The club will be making no further comment at this time."
It is Barton's second transgression in the space of two weeks after comments he made following the club's 1-1 draw at relegated Watford last month.
The midfielder, who was capped by England earlier this year, criticised the club's transfer policy and spoke out against the lack of investment in the club.
City's next match is against cross-town rivals Manchester United and the news surrounding Barton is likely to be a distinct distraction for the players and staff in what is a crucial fixture in United's title race.