Barton expected to escape with fine

JOEY BARTON is expected to escape with a fine after being charged with improper conduct by the FA for dropping his shorts in front of Everton supporters.

The Manchester City midfielder has been charged with improper conduct and/or bringing his sport into disrepute following the incident when he bared his backside after being targeted by home fans at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Barton has until 6pm today to respond and an FA disciplinary commission will hear the case Tuesday.

Although the most famous ‘mooning’ incident in English football led to a two-match ban for Arsenal’s Sammy Nelson following his actions in the 1979 FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, it is understood Barton is more likely to be fined.

The charge is similar to that brought against Man United’s Gary Neville in January when he ran 40 yards to taunt Liverpool fans following Rio Ferdinand’s last-minute winner. He was later fined £5,000.