Joey Barton claims the officials were 'conned' into sending him off during Queens Park Rangers' 2-1 defeat to Norwich
QPR skipper launches Twitter defence over dismissal
Joey Barton claims the officials were 'conned' into sending him off during Queens Park Rangers' 2-1 defeat to Norwich
Barton scored but was later dismissed for an apparent headbutt on Bradley Johnson as the Canaries came from behind to win 2-1 at Loftus Road.
After consultation with the assistant, the Rangers captain was shown a red card by referee Neil Swarbrick.
However, the QPR captain defended himself on
Twitter, saying: "Well (I) feel for the officials, they've been conned. Admitted to me at half-time they never saw it. I was pulled back 1st, then kicked 2nd.
"(The) linesman definitely never saw it, all he (has) seen was Johnson's reaction. My head doesn't move forward at all. Ridiculous decision seen 25 replays."
Barton continued his defence on the social networking site, adding: "I'd be 1st to apologise if I'd reacted. Cannot apologise as I know I've not head butted anyone. Disappointed for the lads and the fans.
"Make your own minds up when you see it. The game's gone!
"Hopefully referee sees it retrospectively and sees he's been conned. It's no consolation for us right now but at least its something."
Anthony Pilkington drew Norwich level just before half-time with a fine 20-yard effort, before substitute Steve Morison completed the turnaround with eight minutes left to add to Barton's frustration.
