QPR to investigate Barton incident

QPR will conduct an internal investigation into Joey Barton's dismissal against Manchester City and his subsequent conduct, the club have announced.

Barton, 29, is facing two Football Association charges of alleged violent conduct following his red card at the Etihad Stadium, which was his second sending-off of the season. The QPR captain was dismissed for elbowing Carlos Tevez and then followed two alleged incidents involving Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.

A club statement said: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm that a full investigation in relation to Joey Barton's dismissal and subsequent events against Manchester City on Sunday will be carried out following the conclusion of his FA hearing. The club will be making no further comment at this stage."

Barton had until midday to respond to the charges after being granted an extension by the FA.

Barton was shown a red card by referee Mike Dean in the match against City for striking out at Tevez.

Before he left the field Barton appeared to kick out at Aguero and also thrust his head toward Kompany before having to be restrained while attempting to confront Mario Balotelli.

Barton apologised for his actions on Twitter but also reacted angrily to what he saw as criticism from Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, Barton's manager when he played for Newcastle.

When Shearer was backed up by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, Barton also launched into a verbal tirade at the former Everton and Tottenham striker.

The FA announced its charges on Monday and Barton's club followed suit on Wednesday by launching their own investigation.