Joey Barton ‘unlikely to play for Rangers again’ after refusing to attend hearing

Joey Barton's Rangers career appears to be over.

The midfielder will not report back for training for the club on Monday and, according to the BBC, is unlikely to play for the club again. The 34-year-old was suspended last month following a training ground altercation with teammate Andy Halliday in the wake of Rangers' 5-1 Old Firm humbling by Celtic. Although he was expected back at the club on October 10, his suspension was extended. After his initial suspension by the club, Barton was also charged by the Scottish FA for breaching their rules on gambling. The SFA alleged that Barton had placed 44 bets on matches between July 1 and September 15 of this year. Barton is said to have turned down the opportunity to attend a hearing at the club this week, with both parties now said to have 'reached a stalemate' in the disciplinary process. As things stand, Barton, who started his career at Manchester City, remains on full pay at Rangers following his arrival from Burnley in the summer. It is however unclear how much longer he will remain on the club's payroll. Rangers have played five matches in Barton's absence, winning three, drawing one and losing one. Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live