Taylor not party to Christmas high-jinks

PLAYERS’ UNION boss Gordon Taylor has admitted traditional Christmas parties are an accident waiting to happen.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is facing a massive fine following a fracas at the Blues’ annual players’ bash on Sunday which left young team-mate Jamie Tandy requiring hospital treatment after having a cigar stubbed in his eye.

Though it is accepted the severity of the attack was an accident as Barton swung round in retaliation after Tandy had attempted to set fire to his shirt, it has caused massive embarrassment to City officials and led to calls from irate fans for the England U-21 midfielder to be sacked.