Barton red card appeal fails

QPR have failed with their appeal to have Joey Barton’s red card for violent conduct in Monday’s Barclays Premier League match against Norwich overturned.

Barton got involved in a tussle with Bradley Johnson and appearing to headbutt the Norwich midfielder.

QPR appealed against the dismissal but the Football Association yesterday confirmed that appeal had failed.

It means the 29-year-old midfielder will miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie at MK Dons, the Premier League clash away to former club Newcastle the following Sunday and the home match against fellow strugglers Wigan on January 21.