Pearce asks FA for Barton leniency

14 April 2012

Stuart Pearce yesterday asked the FA to be lenient with Joey Barton, the Manchester City midfielder who bared his backside at Everton fans at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Barton will find out today if he is to be charged by the governing body, but City boss Pearce pointed to the extreme provocation he received from rival supporters throughout the game.

• Police take no action against Barton

It included constant and obscene references to his brother's part in the murder of black Merseyside teenager Anthony Walker.

Michael Barton is serving a 17-year sentence for his part in Walker's killing and some of the abuse centred on lewd suggestions about what sort of treatment he would be receiving from other prisoners in jail.

It is understood that the City midfielder's poor disciplinary record has counted against him and it is possible he could be charged with improper conduct.

Pearce said: "When I got home I saw on television what happened and I saw one of my players give his shirt to a disabled fan.

"As he was walking off the pitch, he was being sledged about things I'd prefer not to go into. He kept a smile on his face throughout the whole incident and he did something that, at worst, is a little bit childish.

"At best, it's a bit of comedy that everyone should laugh off, but I still have to deal with it several days later.

"Let's get things into a little bit of perspective. Maybe some of the things that were said to that player are a more serious matter, but we are not going to rake that up."

Barton learned yesterday that Merseyside Police are to take no action, but the FA are not expected to be as lenient.

City had hoped a letter warning about his conduct would be sufficient. If Barton does receive a formal charge, City will encourage the 24-year-old to request a personal hearing.

Meanwhile, City target Billy Jones, 19, will be put up for sale by Crewe in the January transfer window.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi is frustrated by the defender's refusal to sign a new deal to replace his current contract, which runs out in the summer.

Gradi said: "We cannot persuade him to sign, so it could be that we will look to sell him when the window re-opens. We have done as much as we can do and the ball is very much in his court now. He and his advisers are adamant it is in his best interest to move."

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been checking on Jones' progress.

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