Joey Barton has been handed an 18-month ban from “all football activity” in relation to a betting charge.
The Burnley midfielder accepted an FA charge in February and requested a personal hearing.
Barton is alleged to have placed 1,260 bets over a period of 10 years. In addition, he has been fined £30,000.
He has confirmed he will appeal the “excessive” length of the suspension and is “confident” the sanction will be reduced.
He posted a statement on his official website, admitting the decision “effectively forces me into an early retirement.”
Barton went on to admit he has fought a gambling addiction and had bet on his own team to lose – but was NOT involved in those games.
He uploaded images of the bets made, with stakes ranging from as little as £2 to £600.
During his time at Manchester City, he placed a £3 bet on HIMSELF to score the first goal in a defeat to Fulham.
Barton placed £750, over two bets, on Newcastle to beat Stevenage in the FA Cup in 2011 when the Magpies were the victims of a major upset.
He also bet a total of £800 on the Toon to LOSE against Chelsea and Manchester United, although they drew both matches.
Barton admitted he has had a Betfair account in his own name, registered at his home address, since 2004.
He went on to reveal he has placed over 15,000 bets on all sports.
The 34-year-old rejoined the Clarets in January after starting the season at Rangers.
He left the Scottish club by mutual consent after a training ground bust-up with then-boss Mark Warburton.
During his time in Scotland, he was given a one-match ban for breaking rules on gambling.
He admitted the charge of placing 44 bets while a player at Ibrox.
He has been involved in a series of controversial incidents during his colourful career, which started at Manchester City.
Barton has twice been convicted on charges of violence and served 77 days of a sentence in 2008.
The midfielder has one England cap and has also played for Newcastle, Marseille and QPR.
Courtesy of Mirror
