Joey Barton: QPR Captain Takes to Twitter to Defend Meltdown vs. Man City

Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton was sent off during his club's match with Manchester City on Sunday after elbowing Carlos Tevez in the chin.

Barton wasn't done there, however. Before he left the pitch, he kicked City forward Sergio Aguero and argued with several players, including Mario Balotelli.

He has since taken to his personal Twitter account to defend his actions.

"

Can do nothing but apologise to the players and the fans. Still don't think its a sending off. Tried to take 1 of their players with me....

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 13, 2012"

I don't know how Barton believes he shouldn't have received a red card. He elbowed a player then kicked another. There was a 100 percent chance he was being sent off.

Barton admitted to trying to bait one of the City players into a red card as well, which makes his actions even more appalling.

"

The head was never gone at any stage, once I'd been sent off, one of our players suggested I should try to take 1 of theirs with me...

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 13, 2012"

I can't fathom why he would tweet this, does he want to be banned for a long time next season? He's basically admitting that he purposely went after two players.

This further proves what a disgrace Barton is to English football and why the FA must make an example of his behavior from Sunday's match.

One of the worst parts of this ordeal is the lack of understanding Barton has regarding his disgraceful actions. 

"

Still not my proudest moment but who gives a f*ck, we are safe..........and that is all that matters.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 13, 2012"

QPR was lucky to avoid relegation since Bolton drew with Stoke 2-2 at the Britannia Stadium, but that doesn't mean he is excused from his actions.

I can't imagine why the London club would want to keep Barton around next season after Sunday's incident. He sets a poor example for the players and fans.

There's absolutely no reason for him to continue captaining the club. Barton's behavior against City was the exact opposite of what you need from a captain.

The FA needs to ban Barton for a long time, and his tweets from Sunday will make their decision much easier.

Follow @NicholasGoss35