By Edward Tibbles, Goal.com
QPR captain Joey Barton has been issued a 12-match ban by the Football Association for violent conduct against Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League.
Barton was handed an extra eight-match ban to add to the four matches the midfielder would already miss during the match, as well as a fine of 75,000 pounds.
Confrontations with Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany were cited, but as they occurred after the player was sent off it was seen as a separate offense to that involving Carlos Tevez, and the later incidents fell outside of the referee's jurisdiction.
Although he was not punished for the alleged head butt on Kompany, the Independent Regulatory Commission deemed that by kneeing Sergio Aguero he deserved this lengthy ban.
The chairman of the Independent Regulatory Commission spoke of why they saw it acceptable to hand Barton the punishment.
"There are rules of conduct that should be adhered to, and such behavior tarnishes the image of football in this country, particularly as this match was the pinnacle of the domestic season and watched by millions around the globe," he said.
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