FA ban Barton over Dabo assault

JOEY BARTON was yesterday handed a 12-game ban, six of which are suspended, for his training ground assault on former Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton attacked Dabo, who is now with Lazio, in May of last year and was handed a four-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to assault earlier this year.

The FA’s independent disciplinary commission handed down the punishment to the Newcastle United midfielder, with Barton also ordered to pay a fine of £25,000 (€31,000) after admitting a charge of violent conduct.