Joey Barton calls Gary Lineker an "odious little toad"

Joey Barton has turned his attention to Gary Lineker in his war of words with Match of the Day pundits.

The Queens Park Ranger midfielder reacted angrily on Twitter to criticism from Alan Shearer.

His former Newcastle United manager had expressed his disappointment at Barton's actions during the West London club's 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, for which he was sent off.

Shearer's colleague Lineker stoked the flames on the social networking site after the show had aired, posting: "Hear Joey Barton had a dig at Shearer. Is this an attempt, I wonder, to deflect from the obvious and deserved criticisms coming his way?"

Barton replied: "No deflections here, mate. Mind your manners, Squeaky. Now back under your stone you odious little toad."

The former England captain then posted: "Still raging then? Still kicking out? And still, presumably, misunderstood? But only by yourself I suspect."

It has been revealed that Barton will now face two charges of violent conduct.