Man City ban Barton after bust-up
Manchester City have suspended Joey Barton for the rest of the season after he hit team-mate Ousmane Dabo in training, BBC Sport understands.
Dabo had to go to hospital after sustaining injuries to his mouth during the incident at Carrington on Tuesday.
Barton's agent, Willie McKay, said he had not spoken directly to the player yet, but played down the incident.
He told BBC Sport: "As far as I've heard, he was defending himself. But because it is Joey it makes headlines."
McKay added: "It happens on training grounds all over the country, from Chelsea to Yeovil."
City are currently refusing to confirm the identity of the player who has been suspended.
A club statement read: "We can confirm that a player has been suspended pending an internal investigation."
Midfielder Barton, 24, won his first England cap in the friendly against Spain at Old Trafford in February.