Barton to fight Kompany charge

Joey Barton has accepted a violent conduct charge for kneeing Sergio Aguero in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Manchester City.

But the QPR midfielder plans to fight a second charge brought by the FA that he attempted to head-butt City defender Vincent Kompany after being sent off.

Barton, 29, has now requested a personal hearing, the date of which has yet to be set, to determine the outcome of the second charge.

Both charges are in relation to Barton’s conduct following his dismissal in the 54th minute for clashing with Carlos Tevez in the title decider.

Should Barton be found guilty of the second charge he could face up to a 10-game ban at the start of the new season.

QPR also plan to undertake their own investigation into the events, possibly throwing Barton’s future at Loftus Road into question.

The club’s statement read: “Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm that a full investigation in relation to Joey Barton’s dismissal and subsequent events against Manchester City on Sunday will be carried out following the conclusion of his FA hearing.”

Meanwhile, Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has revealed his frustration at Barton’s behaviour.

Taylor has previously offered Barton help through the PFA but admits the former Manchester City and Newcastle man’s latest misdemeanour could have a significant impact on his career.

“I just feel sometimes like it is pushing a boulder up a hill, it slips back and you decide whether to go again,” Taylor said.

“We try to deal with Joey Barton and it is not getting any easier. It has certainly been a backward step for him and his future in the game.

“There are people that seem to be improving and then slip back, it is a human condition. No one is perfect but you only have one career.”