Barton fined six weeks' wages for party shame

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has been handed a record fine of six weeks’ wages after being found guilty of gross misconduct following an internal investigation into an incident at the club’s Christmas party on Sunday.

Barton incurred the wrath of Blues chairman John Wardle for stabbing a lighted cigar into the eye of young team-mate Jamie Tandy.

Barton will be forced to pay four weeks’ salary – approximately £60,000 (€85,000) - immediately, with a further two weeks suspended for a year.

Tandy, who attempted to light Barton’s shirt during the fracas, was found guilty of misconduct and has been fined two weeks’ wages – all of which is suspended for a year.

“Events on Sunday evening fell seriously below the high standards we expect and demand at this football club,” said Wardle.

“Our players know the rewards their job brings them but they also must realise the responsibilities that they have to this club, our supporters and our community.”