Barton’s low blow is a costly one for Rangers

AMONG the qualities required in the heat of a relegation battle, a cool head and composure always come in handy. Step forward Joey Barton.

The QPR captain has spent much of his career tackling his demons and trying to control his anger, not always with the greatest success.

Even by his questionable standards, however, the red card Barton received in the 32nd-minute at the KC Stadium (above) was stupid.

QPR hit back to equalise through Charlie Austin but a late goal from Dame N’Doye helped Hull to what could prove to be a priceless victory.

Barton positioned himself at the centre of a melee, pushed Alex Bruce and then responded to a shove in the back from Tom Huddlestone by swinging a low blow into his opponent’s groin.

The ninth red card of Barton’s career duly followed. ‘You can’t go punching people in the k****ers, can you?’ said Hull manager Steve Bruce. ‘I didn’t see the incident but everyone tells me what he did was just ridiculous.’

New QPR head coach Chris Ramsey dismissed suggestions that he could now strip Barton of the captaincy. He said: ‘Joey apologised to the boys straightaway [at half-time].

Hull went ahead in the 16th minute, when Steven Caulker headed Huddlestone’s high free-kick straight to Jelavic, who executed a clinical rightfoot volley into the net. HULL CITY: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce (Ramírez 53), McShane, Elmohamad, Livermore (Hernández 67), Huddlestone, Meyler (Aluko - 82), Brady, Jelavic, N’Doye. Subs (not used): Davies Harper, Roberston, Quinn. QPR: Green Furlong, Ferdinand, Caulker, Yun Suk-young, Phillips, Henry, Barton, Kranjcar (Traore 78), Austin (Zárate 75), Zamora (Doughty 64). Subs (not used): Hill, Wright-Phillips, McCarthy, Vargas. Booked: Furlong, Phillips, Zárate, Zamora. Sent Off: Barton. REfEREE: A Taylor.