Joey Barton has been fined eight weeks' wages by Manchester City after the club found him guilty of gross misconduct on their recent trip to Thailand. The midfielder was involved in an altercation with his team-mate Richard Dunne and a 15-year-old Everton fan.
Barton, 22, was sent home by City manager Stuart Pearce and will now have to pay out over �120,000 as punishment.
It includes two weeks' wages carried over from a suspended fine following a previous incident in December 2004.
He had jabbed a lit cigar into the eye of City team-mate Jamie Tandy at the club's Christmas party.
 | BARTON FACTFILE Sep 1982: Born, Huyton Apr 2003: Makes Man City debut Sep 2003: Called into Eng U21 squad Feb 2004: Sent off against Spurs Apr 2004: Storms out of ground after being left out for Southampton game Jul 2004: Kevin Keegan accuses him of starting brawl in friendly at Doncaster Sep 2004: Given new contract Dec 2004: Puts lit cigar in Jamie Tandy's eye May 2005: Breaks leg of pedestrian while driving Jul 2005: Involved in alleged fight in Thai hotel bar |
The Liverpool-born midfielder has agreed to undertake a programme of rehabilitation in a bid to prevent such incidents arising again.
City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: "Joey has expressed his deep and sincere remorse over the incident.
"He is keen to make amends to this football club and our fans who expect the highest standard of behaviour from our players.
"He has apologised to those involved and has accepted his fine unquestioningly."
Barton added: "I understand the distress I have caused to everybody concerned and want to apologise for my actions.
"I am grateful for the support I have received from the club and my friends and family."
MMIX
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