Bristol Rovers manager Barton given three game stadium ban
He's admitted abusing a match official during the Gas' fixture against Sheffield Wednesday in April
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has been handed a three match stadium ban for abusing a match official.
The FA has announced the news, saying it follows an incident at Rovers' League One match against Sheffield Wednesday in April, when the Gas had a goal disallowed for offside.
Barton was sent to the stands for his protests and then confronted an official after the match, with the FA saying he used "abusive, insulting and improper words towards a match official".
Rovers lost the game 2-1, with Barton also fined £3,000.
An FA statement said: "Joey Barton has been given a three-match ground ban and £3,000 fine for the three misconduct breaches that took place after Bristol Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesdsay in League One on Tuesday, April 18.
"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."
Barton, 40, took over at the Memorial Stadium in February 2021 and, after winning promotion from League Two in 2021-22, guided Rovers to 17th place this season.