That didn’t take long.
Joey Barton has been banished from Rangers’ training ground following a bust-up with teammate Andy Halliday and coaching staff, according to The Daily Record.
The 34-year-old midfielder signed for the newly-promoted Scottish Premiership side in the summer on a free-transfer from Burnley to much fanfare, but has, so far, failed to live-up to expectations.
Barton talked a big game, disparaging the quality of Celtic rival Scott Brown and accusing Brendan Rodgers of experiencing a “mid-life crisis”. However, he has put in a series of lacklustre performances and was anonymous in Rangers’ 5-1 loss to Celtic last Saturday. Needless to say, Celtic fans loved it.
Celtic fans had great fun with Joey Barton's first tweet since Rangers' crushing defeat https://t.co/R44cKyJNz0
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 11, 2016
According to reports, the midfielder has not been at the team’s training complex over the past two days, and is not expected back until next week, meaning he’ll miss Rangers’ game against Ross County on Saturday.
Rangers’ fans on social media appear to be glad to see the back of the former Manchester City midfielder.
Joey Barton sent home for a bust up with Halliday. Where was that fight at the weekend when it mattered? he can fuck off, loudmouth prick.
— Ryan (@RyanStewart17) September 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/darrenwells555/status/776465605423689728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This is the difference between Joey Barton and Andy Halliday pic.twitter.com/0ylJ5CDXIf
— john (@JStoo294) September 15, 2016
Joey Barton has done fuck all since he came up here, hope Halliday burst him #WATP #RangersFamily
— David (@G0ld3nE4gl3) September 15, 2016
Said from the start Rangers should never have signed Joey Barton, we don't need has beens shite like him
— Jamie🦁 (@jamie_martinn) September 15, 2016
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