Police examine Barton's backside

The Football Association were this morning awaiting referee Andre Marriner's report into Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton's shorts-dropping antics.

Disciplinary chiefs will consider Marriner's version of the incident - which was drawn to his attention by police - before deciding whether or not action should be taken.

The 24-year-old midfielder bared his buttocks in the direction of Everton fans as he walked off the pitch at the end of Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premiership draw at Goodison Park.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'I can confirm that we are investigating this incident. We are currently gathering evidence.

'The matter was reported to the referee, who included it in his post-match report.'

Barton's actions came as he was taunted by the home fans, and although keeper Nicky Weaver tried to stop him, he carried on.

It is the latest in a series of controversies to hit the midfielder, who signed a new four-year contract during the summer.