Barton: Protests his innocence

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QPR contest Barton red card

QPR have lodged an appeal against the red card shown to captain Joey Barton in the 2-1 home defeat to Norwich on Monday.

The Rangers midfielder had fired the hosts in front on 11 minutes, but was given his marching orders by referee Neil Swarbrick nine minutes before the break for an apparent headbutt on Canaries counterpart Bradley Johnson.

Barton had initially clashed with City defender Zak Whitbread and then Johnson in the centre circle at Loftus Road, before the duo squared up to one another.

Swarbrick had let play continue before consulting his assistant closest to the incident and proceeded to issue Barton with a red card. Due to the position of the TV cameras at the stadium, footage of the flashpoint proved indecisive as close-ups were lacking.

Johnson’s reaction was branded a “disgrace” by QPR boss Neil Warnock, with Barton later taking to Twitter to voice his disapproval of the “ridiculous decision”.

He said: “Well feel for the officials, they’ve been conned. Admitted to me at HT they never saw it. I was pulled back 1st, then kicked 2nd.

“Linesman definitely never saw it, all he seen was Johnsons reaction. My head doesn’t move forward at all. Ridiculous decision seen 25 replays.”

The 29-year-old added: “I’d be 1st to apologise if I’d reacted. Cannot apologise as I know I’ve not head butted anyone. Disappointed for the lads and the fans. Make ur own minds up when u see it. The games gone!”

Barton wants the incident to be reviewed, stating: “Hopefully referee sees it retrospectively and sees he’s been conned. Its no consolation for us right now but at least its something.”

The former Manchester City and Newcastle man has received seven yellow cards in the Premier league this season for the west London outfit.