Joey Barton: QPR Star Reportedly Charged by FA for Violent Actions vs. Man City

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has been charged by the English FA for his actions after receiving a red card in yesterday's high-pressure game against Manchester City, according to Sky Sports.

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The FA have charged QPR's Joey Barton in relation to two acts of alleged violent conduct after his red card at Man City. More to follow.

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) May 14, 2012"

Barton was sent off for an elbow to City's Carlos Tevez early in the second half and completely lost control of his emotions. He proceeded to kick Sergio Aguero and attempted to headbutt Vincent Kompany before he was finally led off the pitch.

The QPR captain has never been a stranger to problems. Incidents involving former teammate Ousmane Dabo, while a member of Manchester City back in 2007, and Morten Gamst Pedersen immediately come to mind.

He left the FA no choice following yesterday's outburst. He could have seriously injured three players in the span of about a minute and that can't be accepted without severe consequences, especially as the league breaks for the offseason.

Barton is a talented player, but his inability to keep himself in check when tensions start to rise will always hold him back. He's a loose cannon that can go off at any minute, making him a risk for any team.

Since the situation, Barton has taken to Twitter in an attempt to share his side of the story. It obviously wasn't enough to convince the FA to change its mind, though.

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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"

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Things happen on the pitch, in the heat of battle sometimes. Not how we always plan them to happen.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 14, 2012"

Barton's defense is basically that he was attempting to coerce a Manchester City player into getting a red for retaliation. That obviously didn't work and will only hurt his case when trying to limit the punishment.

Only time will tell what the FA decides to do, but the punishment must be enough to make Barton think twice before getting himself into trouble again in the future.