City 'disappointed' with FA charge for Barton

Manchester City claim the Football Association should have treated Joey Barton’s shorts-dropping antics as a trivial matter – and insist there was no call for a charge of improper conduct.

The City midfielder is expected to be fined after baring his backside in front of Everton supporters at the end of last Saturday’s Barclays Premiership match.

The charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the sport into disrepute was levelled at 24-year-old Barton yesterday and he has until 6pm this evening to respond.

An FA disciplinary commission will hear the case on Tuesday.

However, after Merseyside Police decided against taking action against Barton, City hoped the FA would follow suit.

Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: “It is deeply disappointing that the Football Association have decided to charge Joey Barton with improper conduct.

“The player accepts that some elements of his behaviour following the game with Everton were ill advised and he apologises to anybody who may have felt offended.

“He has been reminded of his responsibilities as a custodian of this football club but we do not believe his actions warrant any further investigation. It is our firm opinion that the matter should end there.

“We believe the FA should have taken into account the context of the incident and noted he behaved without any malice, and in a light-hearted manner.

“Joey wishes to thank the many Evertonians, City supporters and general football fans who have contacted the club this week with messages of support.”