Joey Barton hits out at John Terry punishment

Joey Barton has hit out at the Football Association over John Terry's punishment for being found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

The Chelsea captain was given a four-match ban and fined £220,000 on Wednesday for misconduct during a match against Queens Park Rangers in October 2011.

However, Barton believes that the FA should be "embarrassed" after he was given a 12-game suspension for violent conduct at the end of last season.

"Well I think that proves a lot. What an absolute farce. 12 games for violent conduct and only 4 for that. FA should be embarrassed," the 30-year-old, who is currently on loan at Marseille from QPR, tweeted.

"12 games!!! By the FA's perverse reckoning, I'd of got less of a ban for racially abusing the Man City players than tickling them as I did. In what circumstance can that be right?

"Had a vivid dream last night involving Terry, a roaring crowd and a firing squad. Ah, not the turnout I expected."

Terry will wait for the full written judgement before he decides whether to appeal the verdict.