Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton has slammed former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer on Twitter.

Shearer, who now works as a television pundit, had criticised Barton after the midfielder was sent off during Sunday's dramatic 3-2 defeat at Manchester City.

The 29-year-old was shown a straight red card after he had kicked Sergio Aguero from behind during a fracas between the two sets of players. He then appeared to aim a headbutt at City captain Vincent Kompany before being escorted from the pitch.

Barton had claimed after the match that he had tried to get one of City's players sent off with him.

"I know I f*cked up Alan, thanks for stating the obvious," Barton tweeted.

"I really don't like that pr*ck, in fact I honestly despise him... Goodnight."

Despite their loss at the Etihad Stadium, QPR managed to avoid relegation due to Bolton Wanderers' 2-2 draw with Stoke City.