QPR midfielder Joey Barton has been handed down a double charge of violent conduct by the FA, after he was sent off against Manchester City on Sunday.

With his side leading 2-1, the temperamental Loftus Road captain was given a straight red card for elbowing Carlos Tevez, before kicking Sergio Aguero and trying to headbutt Vincent Kompany.

Barton will be given an automatic four-match ban for the sending off, but it is likely that this will be extended, possibly up to as many as nine matches.

"The FA has today charged Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton in relation to two acts of alleged violent conduct during Sunday's match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium," a statement read.

"Following the player's dismissal in the 54th minute of the fixture, there followed two incidents involving Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.

"As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside of the jurisdiction of the referee," it concluded.

Meanwhile, The Guardian have reported that Barton may well be on his way out of the Loftus Road club, as Mark Hughes has lost patience with the midfielder and will offload him in the summer.

By Gareth McKnight

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