Barton- I deserve to lose captaincy

The 29-year-old was hit with a 12-match ban and fined ?75,000 by the FA last month after being dismissed for elbowing Carlos Tevez, then kicking out at Sergio Aguero as he left the pitch before aiming a headbutt in the direction of Vincent Kompany. Following their own internal investigation, QPR have now imposed further sanctions on the controversial midfielder.

Barton apologised in a statement on the club's official website, which he later expanded on in a series of Twitter posts, he said: "I was reckless and deserved every punishment I received. Money comes and goes, it's not important to me. Losing the captaincy and missing 12 games is what really hurts."

He added: "I was stupid and that what happens when u [sic] do dumb things. I am confident ill [sic] bounce back. Cannot wait.

"That's all I have to say on the matter. I wish to put it behind me now and help QPR, once available of course, push on towards the top half.

"Have a good day people. Thanks for all the lovely tweets of support. Speak soon xx."

Barton has a long history of controversy, both on and off the pitch. In 2008, he was given a six-month jail term after admitting assault and affray.

During his time as a player at Manchester City, Barton was fined after he stubbed a lit cigar in the eye of young team-mate Jamie Tandy during the club's Christmas party. Earlier this month, Barton was arrested for affray following a night out in Liverpool with his girlfriend.

In his official club statement, the player issued an unreserved apology, which read: "My behaviour was wrong and I accept the punishment that has been imposed upon me as a result. I apologise to the manager, my team-mates and of course the QPR fans for my actions.

"I also apologise to the Manchester City players, staff and supporters."

Source: PA

Source: PA