Apparently, everyone knew this would happen except that, in reality, they did not. There were no grand pronouncements that Joey Barton and Rangers would be consigned to a messy divorce before Christmas carols were on the agenda. After eight appearances, one yellow card and a training ground rumpus, the Barton and Rangers alliance is no more. Life around Joey was never dull.
There is a sadness attached to this. Barton should have enhanced the Scottish football scene, on and off the field. He has the talent and character for both aspects. Instead, you missed his turning out in a blue shirt with one blink, just as he never immersed himself at all in the lively and engaging city that is Glasgow. Barton himself probably regrets the latter aspect in particular.
Related: Joey Barton: ‘If someone is looking for conflict I won’t shy away from it – ever’ | Donald McRae
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