Dyche backs Barton

SEAN DYCHE is not worried about Joey Barton’s latest controversy – because he says he has seen far worse from the Burnley midfielder.

The 34-year-old was the centre of attention as the Premier League side suffered FA Cup humiliation against Lincoln last Saturday.

Barton, below, was accused of acting after falling to the ground clutching his head during a tussle with Imps striker Matt Rhead.

TV pictures showed there was no contact – and Barton faced more criticism when an old tweet emerged in which he called for players who dive to be banned.

Burnley manager Dyche said: “I’ve seen a lot more controversy around Joey than that. If that’s as far as it goes, I’ll be a happy man.”

Barton has requested a personal hearing after an FA charge that he breached betting rules. He has accepted the charge of placing more than 1,200 football bets between 2006 and 2016.

Dyche, whose side visit Hull today, was happy to take Barton back after his fallout with Rangers. The midfielder was outstanding in his first spell at Turf Moor when the club won the Championship. “Joey has been terrific,” said Dyche. “I thought by a mile – by an absolute mile – he was the best player on the pitch last weekend. On both teams. So he has been absolutely fine.” Hull’s Kamil Grosicki, has a point to prove against Burnley today. The winger was gutted when a move to Turf Moor fell through minutes before the end of the transfer window in August. Poland winger Grosicki, who joined Hull’s relegation fight last month, said: “Burnley and Rennes couldn’t come to an agreement and I was a bit disappointed but I knew a new contract would come and I’m happy to get my chance at Hull.”