Barton banished from Blues' Thai trip

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has been sent home from the club’s tour of Thailand after an altercation with a 15-year-old and club captain Richard Dunne.

Barton – an Everton fan as a youngster – was involved in a dispute with a 15-year-old Everton fan at the team’s hotel in the early hours of this morning.

Club captain Dunne stepped in to break up the parties – and sustained a cut to his finger for his trouble. City boss Pearce stressed Irish international Dunne behaved impeccably throughout.

After discussions with City chairman John Wardle, Pearce decided to send the midfielder home, while absolving Dunne of any blame for his part in the incident.