Joey Barton could STILL face FA ban despite being cleared of attacking rival Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel
JOEY BARTON could still face an FA ban – despite being cleared of attacking a rival boss.
After a week-long trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Barton was found not guilty of assaulting then-Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel in the Oakwell tunnel in April 2019.
But while the threat of a potential jail sentence was ended by the verdict, Wembley investigators could now restart the probe that was put on hold by the police proceedings.
The FA set a precedent for taking action after a not guilty verdict when John Terry was banned for four games and fined £220,000 in September 2012, two months after being cleared of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand by Westminster Magistrates.
FA beaks will now decide whether to reopen their own investigation, which could lead to charges being considered.
Barton, 39, was managing Fleetwood Town in April 2019.
He left the Cod Army in January, after reaching the play-offs last year.
The former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder returned to management in February with Bristol Rovers.
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He was unable to halt their slide last season, as the Gas were relegated to League Two.
Rovers currently sit 16th in League Two.
They booked their place in the FA Cup third round over the weekend, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Sutton United.
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