Barton could face rap

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is expected to learn tomorrow whether the Football Association or Merseyside Police will take any action against him after he dropped his shorts to Everton supporters at the weekend.

The incident occurred at the end of Saturday’s game at Goodison Park after City had scored an injury-time goal to claim a point in a 1-1 draw.

Merseyside Police and the FA were still liaising over the incident today but it is understood that if there is to be any action taken, it would more likely be a sporting sanction from the English game’s governing body than a formal police charge.

The FA have received match referee Andre Marriner’s report, which included details of the incident.

The incident happened at the end of the game after 24-year-old Barton had handed his shirt to a City fan and was jeered by home supporters.

He pulled down his shorts as he headed towards the tunnel and, after team-mate Nicky Weaver had intervened, did so again.