Manchester City Football Club News

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• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Barton admits FA charge

09 Oct 2006 - 11:58:57

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Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has admitted an FA charge of improper conduct following an incident after last month's 1-1 draw at Everton.

Barton has requested a personal hearing and a Disciplinary Commission will hear his case on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old dropped his shorts in front of Everton supporters at the end of the game at Goodison Park as he reacted to taunts from home fans.

Merseyside Police received a number of complaints about Barton's behaviour but decided against taking any formal action.

However, FA officials took a different view and opted to charge the player with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

City manager Stuart Pearce thought his player should have escaped any disciplinary action saying: "He kept a smile on his face throughout the whole incident, and he's done something that at worst is a little bit childish.

"Let's get things into a little bit of perspective. Maybe some of the things that were said to that player are a more serious matter but we're not going to rake that up."