Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton had to be restrained by members of his own coaching staff in the tunnel of the Mem after he was furious with referee Josh Smith following the Gas’ 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in April.
The Football Association has published its full written reasons behind the Regulatory Commission’s decision to hand Barton a three-match stadium ban and fine the 40-year-old £3,000, imposed on May 17.
Following a hearing this week, in which an appeal by Rovers over the severity of the sanctions was dismissed, it has been confirmed that Barton won’t be able to attend the opening three games of the 2023/24 season - at Portsmouth, Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup and home to Barnsley.
