Rangers extend Barton ban for further week

Joey Barton’s club-imposed suspension has been extended by a further week by Rangers. 

The former Manchester City and Burnley midfielder was expected to resume training on Monday at the end of a three-week ban by the Scottish Premiership side for disciplinary reasons in the wake of a much-publicised row with a team-mate in the aftermath of their 5-1 thrashing by Celtic.

But Rangers confirmed in a statement on Sunday: “Joey Barton has been informed that his suspension by the club has been extended by one week.

“This is part of a formal disciplinary procedure and Joey has been instructed not to return to Ibrox or Auchenhowie until further notice.

“Neither party [the club and player] will make any further statement or comment.”

Barton was initially exiled by Rangers after an exchange of words with Andy Halliday following the hammering at Celtic Park, with manager Mark Warburton also reportedly involved.

The 34-year-old was also this week charged by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) for allegedly breaching betting rules.