Joey Barton hearing postponed

JOEY BARTON will remain under suspension by Rangers until his representatives agree a new date for his disciplinary hearing.

The midfielder has been away from the club since being first banned in the wake of a training ground incident in September. He has since been charged by the SFA for breaching rules regarding gambling.

The 34-year-old was due to get his club issue heard on October 13 but it was postponed at his request.

A new date for the meeting has yet to be fixed which will require Barton’s representatives to contact Rangers to reach agreement.

As he is unable under HR protocol to return to training until the business is concluded that effectively means he will stay suspended until he decides otherwise.

Barton, who remains on full pay of some £20,000 a week, joined the Light Blues from Burnley on a twoyear deal in May.

A statement from Rangers on the issue read: “The disciplinary hearing scheduled for October 13, at which Joey Barton was to appear, was postponed at the player’s request.

“A new date will now be agreed between both parties which means Joey’s Barton’s suspension will continue until a reconvened meeting has taken place. Neither party will make any further comment.”

While the longer his exile continues the less likely it is that he will play for Rangers again, it is clear there is little enthusiasm within the club for the situation to be resolved through a big pay-off to Barton.

That being the case, a protracted negotiation over a parting of the ways seems likely to be on the cards in the weeks, if not months, ahead.

The Englishman has made eight appearances for Rangers, the last of which was the defeat in the Old Firm derby by Celtic.