Fleetwood boss Joey Barton charged by FA - could face touchline ban for Portsmouth visit

And that means the controversial former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder could be forced to watch from the stands when Pompey make the trip to the Highbury Stadium next week.

Barton was shown a red card by referee Kevin Johnson late in Tuesday night's 1-0 League One win at Wycombe, and has now been charged over comments he allegedly made towards match officials.

An FA statement said: ‘Joey Barton has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.

‘It is alleged that the Fleetwood Town FC manager's language towards a match official in the 94th minute of an EFL League One fixture against Wycombe Wanderers FC on Tuesday 11 February 2020 was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or questioned their integrity.

‘He has until Monday 17 February 2020 to provide a response.’

Barton, who criticised the Blues’ style of play following Fleetwood’s FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of Kenny Jackett’s side last month, was not the only member of the Cod Army party to see red at Adams Park.

Striker Ched Evans had earlier been dismissed for a challenge on Jason McCarthy – a red card that will see him sit out the visit of Pompey on Saturday, February 22, as he serves a three-match ban.

This is the second time this season that 37-year-old Barton has been sent from the touchline.

He was banished to the stands during his side's 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers on December 29 over his protests after seeing an Evans strike ruled out for offside.