A 34-year-old midfielder, with one England cap, has been told to take some time away from his club, a newly-promoted Scottish Premiership side.
Incidents like this wouldn’t normally make any waves, but when the player is Joey Barton, and the club is Rangers, or ‘Sevco’ or whatever you choose to call the team that wear blue from Glasgow, people take notice.
Particularly Celtic fans, who had just stopped laughing at Barton’s display in the 5-1 victory over Rangers last Saturday.
Celtic fans are loving that Joey Barton has been 'banished' from Rangers https://t.co/bZozDXIn7I
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 15, 2016
Barton had a bust-up with teammate Andy Halliday and members of the club’s coaching staff at Rangers’ training ground earlier this week, according to reports, and was told to take some time out and not return to the club until Monday.
The former Manchester City midfielder will miss Rangers game against Ross County this weekend, but the team probably won’t miss his contribution, given his performances thus far this season.
Barton broke his silence on the incident on Twitter on Thursday evening, offering his side of the story. The midfielder says he doesn’t agree with the decision of Mark Warburton, the Rangers manager, but he respects it.
To respond to news reports circulating this evening… pic.twitter.com/Leh2FaTn6x
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) September 15, 2016
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