Barton burns team-mate at 'do'

Last updated : 22 December 2004 By Ben Collins

Reports had already revealed that Nicolas Anelka was punched in the chest by an angry fan at the fancy dress party, but now news has emerged of an altercation between Barton and 18-year-old Academy product Jamie Tandy.

Barton, who had earlier been telling onlookers he now earns £27,000 a week, had been seen larking around with a cigar and stubbing it onto other players' outfits. Tandy though, took exception to Barton's behaviour and attempted to ignite his T-shirt with a cigarette lighter, and it was then that Barton's lit cigar injured Tandy's top and bottom left eyelid.

The pair have not had a friendly relationship and then became involved in a brawl which was broken up by the other players. Tandy was taken to casualty and has been treated in hospital and also by the club doctor. Although he is likely to be permanently scarred, his blurred vision will return to normal now the ash has been cleaned out.

During an investigation by club director and lawyer Bryan Bodek and club secretary Bernard Halford, Barton stressed it was an accident. The incident could be regarded as gross misconduct, for which the pair could be sacked, but it is more likely Barton will be fined £142,000, while Tandy will also be docked the maximum six weeks wages, around £5,000.

A club insider told M.E.N. Sport last night:"Barton has been trying to apologise but Tandy is not blameless. There are a lot of angry people around at the club but it is more likely the pair of them will be heavily fined."