Barton, Konchesky banned as FA appeals shot down

PREMIERSHIP duo Joey Barton and Paul Konchesky will both sit out this weekend’s action after having their appeals against the red cards they received last weekend rejected by the Football Association.

At a hearing in London yesterday, it was decided referee Mike Riley had not acted incorrectly in dismissing Barton for serious foul play when he launched himself towards Abdoulaye Faye near the end of Manchester City’s home defeat to Bolton.

And it was also ruled Konchesky rightly received his marching orders for a second bookable offence when he chopped down Wayne Routledge, denying the Fulham forward a clear goalscoring opportunity, during West Ham’s goalless draw at Craven Cottage on the same day.