Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton is hit with a three-match ground ban and £3,000 fine for abusive and insulting language towards a match official against Sheffield Wednesday

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Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton will serve a three-match ground ban at the start of next season after being found guilty by the Football Association over misconduct charges.

Barton was charged with three misconduct breaches by the FA following Bristol Rover match against Sheffield Wednesday in April.

The 40-year-old was shown a red card during Rovers 2-1 defeat in the League One match.

Barton admitted the offences during a hearing.

'The manager admitted his behaviour after being sent off was improper; and that he subsequently used abusive, insulting and improper words towards a match official in both the tunnel and match official's changing room,' an FA statement read.

Joey Barton has been hit with a three match stadium ban and fine by the Football Association

'An Independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing and its written reasons will be published in due course. 

'The three match ground ban will apply to first-team competitive fixtures next season.'

Barton will be prevented from entering the stadium for Rovers opening three matches.

He has also been hit with a £3,000 fine.

According to Bristol Live, the League One club plan to appeal against the sanction. 

Barton had criticised the officials following the match over the decision to rule out John Marquis's goal for offside.

His red card reportedly followed touchline protests at the decision, having watched the goal back on pitch-side monitors.

'You are reliant on the officials to get major decisions right and, unfortunately, tonight the linesman has had a guess, as they do at the level,' Barton said post-match.

Barton admitted to misconduct after his red card in Rovers match with Sheffield Wednesday

'I was worried when I saw that referee, every time I get him he does something barmy, that ref. 

'I'm not really putting that on his toes, the linesman has only got one job to do and it's disappointing when they guess.'

Barton was previously given a two-match touchline ban and £2,000 fine over his conduct towards a match official when he was Fleetwood Town manager back in 2020.

He avoided an FA charge in 2021 over an 'incorrect analogy' having comparing Bristol Rovers' poor performance against Newport County to the Holocaust.

Rovers finished in mid-table in their first season back in League One, after Barton had guided the club to promotion the previous year.