Barton facing £100,000 fine

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is to escape the sack but is facing a £100,000 fine after he poked a lit cigar in the eye of team-mate Jamie Tandy at the club's Christmas party on Sunday.

Following an investigation by City officials yesterday the club today began disciplinary proceedings which they hope will be concluded before Christmas.

But Barton is sure to be on the receiving end of a record club fine which will dwarf the punishment given to Robbie Fowler this season for leaving the ground early following City's clash with Everton.

City can fine Barton more than the usual maximum two weeks' wages, around £30,000, because the case is being dealt with as gross misconduct which is not subject to the Professional Footballers' Association limits.

Barton stubbed the cigar in Tandy's eye after the youth-team player tried to set his shirt on fire.

A City spokesman said: "The matter is being dealt with internally."