City star in hot water
12 Feb 2007 - 10:55:13
An unnamed Manchester City player could be in trouble after Hampshire Police confirmed that they planned to inform the Football Association of an alleged incident after Stuart Pearce's side crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth.
Police have stressed that they are not launching an investigation, but will be liaising with the FA after being alerted by one of their officers.
Meanwhile, City insist they will back Joey Barton who was at the centre of the controversial incidents at Fratton Park.
The midfielder's tackle on Pedro Mendes forced the Pompey star to be stretchered off the pitch and Harry Redknapp was sent to the stands after Barton was only handed a yellow card.
The England international was booed for the rest of the match, and a senior Pompey steward claimed Barton made gestures towards home fans.
However, City's head of communications, Paul Tyrrell, has backed Barton, telling the Manchester Evening News: "It's disappointing that an official from another club should make such ill-informed public comments.
"Caution should be exercised before jumping on any bandwagons.
"City have not received any complaint regarding Joey Barton's behaviour and, if we get one, it will be robustly defended by the club as our own officials were close to the player as he went to thank our fans for their support. He made no offensive gestures."