Police Probe Barton's Bottom

[Abdel_X]

Lot of mither over nothing, I saw it, he just gave his shirt to some spastically challenged kid and when the Everton fans abused him, he showed them his arse. Fair comment.




Manchester City's Joey Barton could face disciplinary action after exposing his backside to Everton fans at the end of the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

Television pictures captured Barton's actions and City boss Stuart Pearce confirmed he had been approached about the incident by Merseyside Police.

Pearce said: "I did not see it. But if anything did happen, we will look at it with an open mind and deal with it."

Everton fans reacted furiously before City keeper Nicky Weaver intervened.

Pearce added: "The police approached me afterwards to make me aware of what had happened.

"I am sure the timing of our goal had a lot to do with any over-celebration.

"Maybe also there was the fact that one or two people have been saying things about our away form."

Merseysider Barton has been involved in previous incidents with Everton fans, having had an altercation with a Toffees supporter in Thailand during a pre-season tour in summer 2005 which saw him sent back to England in disgrace.

With the police already involved, it seems only a matter of time before the Football Association launches its own inquiry, with a ban virtually certain should the case against Barton be proved.

The 23-year-old's post-match conduct took the gloss off a hard-earned point for City, which halted a run of 10 defeats in their last 11 away games.