Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Barton flees the country

04 May 2007 - 08:57:27

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Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is reported to have left the country following his spat with team-mate Ousmane Dabo that has led to him being suspended by the club for the rest of the season.

The Professional Footballers' Association has been trying to contact the controversial midfielder but it is believed Barton is at a golfing resort on the Algarve.

"We have been trying to help but Joey is out of the country," said Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of the PFA.

"Of course we are disappointed when things like this happen, especially with all the work on anger management we have done with Joey and the help we have tried to give him.

"But it is an ongoing process. Some things take longer than others to sort out and we will continue to offer Joey our full support. Both these players are members and we will do what we can to help both of them."

Dabo wants to take legal proceedings against Barton after being forced to have hospital treatment for the injuries he suffered in the attack.

City boss Stuart Pearce said of the incident: "I don't think there is a player at any club anywhere in the world who is more important than the club.

"The matter is being dealt with internally and discussions are taking place. We will talk about it more when a decision has been reached.

"The character of the rest of the players has been great. The way they have handled the situation is a credit to themselves and if anything it will help create a siege mentality that could help us.

"I think the players will react in a very responsible manner."