The Football Association has charged Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton after he bared his backside at Everton fans during the 1-1 draw on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has been charged by the FA with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute following the events at Goodison Park. Barton has until 1800 BST on Friday to admit or deny the charge and his hearing will be held on Tuesday.

Merseyside Police have already confirmed they will take no action.

Barton dropped his shorts after City scored an injury-time equaliser.

He handed his shirt to a young disabled fan after the final whistle but then seemingly reacted to taunts from Everton fans after Micah Richards’ late strike.

He was smiling as he dropped his shorts but the incident took some of the gloss off a hard-earned point for City - a result that ended a run of 10 defeats in their last 11 away games.

Television pictures captured the incident and police spoke to City manager Stuart Pearce about it.

“I did not see it but if anything did happen, we will look at it with an open mind and deal with it,” said the City manager.

“The police approached me afterwards to make me aware of what had happened.

“I am sure the timing of our goal had a lot to do with any over-celebration.

“Maybe also there was the fact that one or two people have been saying things about our away form.”

Everton fans reacted angrily before City keeper Nicky Weaver intervened.

Merseysider Barton has been involved in previous incidents with Everton fans, having had an altercation with a Toffees supporter in Thailand during a pre-season tour in summer 2005, which led to him being sent back to England.

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