Chris Ramsey: Joey Barton is a "wholehearted player"

Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey has defended Joey Barton following his sending off in his side's 2-1 defeat to Hull City.

The Hoops skipper was dismissed in the first half for pushing Alex Bruce and then lashing out at Tom Huddlestone as the two sides collided at the KC Stadium.

Ramsey has admitted that the club may consider appealing the red card, if they believe that the dismissal was unwarranted, due to Barton's importance to the team.

He told BBC Sport: "There was a bit of a melee and obviously the referee saw something that wasn't legal, and he has sent Joey off. He is a wholehearted player.

"He's more disappointed for the boys, and he is a massive player for us. We will have a look at it and see if it was warranted or not."

Barton has apologised for the sending off, claiming that he was defending debutant Darnell Furlong.