Joey Barton: Burnley midfielder could face FA action after apparent stamp and elbow

Both incidents were against Beram Kayal

(Sky Sports)

Burnley midfielder Joey Barton could face action from the Football Association after an apparent stamp and then elbow on Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Beram Kayal both went unpunished.

The 33-year-old later took to social media to claim the incidents were both accidents and that football is a "contact sport" and not "crown green bowls".

Barton was not booked for either incident and action from the FA would depend on whether referee Craig Pawson saw either of the incidents in the 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium.

If Mr Pawson saw the incidents and decided not to act, then the FA are not able to punish the former Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers.

However, if he did not see them, then 33-year-old Barton could face retrospective punishment.

On closer inspection it is difficult to tell if Barton meant to stamp on Kayal, while the elbow looks accidental. However, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has admitted previously that an 'accidental stamp' is something that players often use.

Barton later took to social media after the match to protest his innocence, sharing messages that claimed it was accidental.

"Remember folks it's a contact sport," he wrote on Twitter. "This is not crown green bowls. Lots of love JB."

Barton was also angry at a shot that appeared to cross the line but wasn't given.

There is no goal-line technology in the Football League.