Sevco have stepped up their campaign against Joey Barton by informing the midfielder NOT to report for training tomorrow.
After being told to stay away from the club he was handed a three week club suspension but not fined.
The three week suspension ends tomorrow but rather than meet up with Mark Warburton to discuss his future The Sun believes that Barton has been told to stay away.
According to the paper: “Sources close to the star last night confirmed internal disciplinary procedures have begun.
“That means he won’t return to the club’s training HQ for a make-or-break meeting with boss Mark Warburton.”
Provided that he remains on the payroll it seems that the latest action will have little impact on Barton who signed a lucrative two year contract in the summer.
Since being given a three week suspension Barton has avoided any comment on the situation despite promoting his latest book.
With the backing of the all powerful Professional Footballers Association Barton will know that he can’t give the club any grounds to tear up his contract.
By refusing to comment about current matters and reporting for training Barton is honouring his side of the contract.
A three week suspension is very rare in football especially when there is no fine involved for whatever the misdemeanour was.
When Barton was signed in a blaze of publicity in the summer Warburton was noted by his absence with no comments from the former city trader to accompany the announcement.
Since the suspension, which came about after a training session following the 5-1 defeat from Celtic Warburton has been talking up the ability and professionalism of other midfielders with Andy Halliday given the captain’s armband for the cup tie against Queen of the South.
