Rangers extend Joey Barton’s suspension for another week

Joey Barton's Rangers exile is set to continue, following a move from the club to extend his suspension for another week.

Barton has not played for Rangers since the midfielder clashed with manager Mark Warburton and fellow players following their heavy 5-1 loss to Old Firm rivals Celtic in early September. In a statement on the club's official website, Rangers declared: "Joey Barton has been informed that his suspension by the Club has been extended by one week. "This is part of a formal disciplinary procedure and Joey has been instructed not return to Ibrox or Auchenhowie until further notice. "Neither party (the Club and player) will make any further statement or comment."

(Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

The decision to extend the suspension heaps further ignominy onto Barton, who has had eventful week following the allegation he had breached betting rules from the Scottish FA. Barton is alleged to have made 44 bets on football matches between July 1 and September 15 this year and could face a match ban if he is found guilty. At time of writing, Barton has yet to comment in response to the allegations, or his increased suspension, but with only seven appearances for the club to date, his Rangers career may be over before it has really begun.