Bristol Rovers set to be without Joey Barton for three matches after FA charge

Joey Barton is set to miss the first three games of Bristol Rovers season after being handed a three-match stadium ban by the FA for three alleged misconduct breaches.

The 40-year-old has been fined £3,000 for an alleged incident that took place after Rovers' 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, April 18. The Gas had a goal ruled out which would have got them back on level terms, and Barton ended up being cautioned by the referee Josh Smith.

As it stands, he will be unable to attend the first three matches of the 2023/24 campaign, and cannot communicate at any time during the match with his coaching staff. It is assumed that Andy Mangan, Barton's assistant manager would take charge of the matches in his absence. Barton would be permitted to take training in the build-up to the match, but could only watch his games from afar.

A statement from the Football Association read: “Joey Barton has been given a three-match ground ban and £3,000 fine for three misconduct breaches that took place after Bristol Rovers FC's game against Sheffield Wednesday FC in the FL League One on Tuesday 18 April 2023.

“The manager admitted that his behaviour after being sent off was improper; and that he subsequently used abusive, insulting and improper words towards a match official in both the tunnel and match officials' changing room.

"An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing and its written reasons will be published in due course. The three-match ground ban will apply to first team competitive fixtures next season."

A spokesperson from Bristol Rovers confirmed to BristolLive that the club would be appealing the decision after Barton had attended a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. Rovers season is due to start on Saturday, August 5, and if the ban were to stay in place, he would miss the first two league matches, and a Carabao Cup first-round tie.