SFA charge Barton over bets

The Scottish FA have issued Joey Barton with a notice of complaint over alleged breaches of rules related to betting on football.

Barton, who is still serving a three-week club ban, is alleged to have placed bets on 44 fixtures between July 1st and September 15th this year, although none are believed to involve Rangers.

Several players have fallen foul of Disciplinary Rule 33, which forbids betting on football anywhere on the planet, in recent years including former Rangers players Steve Simonsen and Ian Black.

If found guilty Barton could face a suspension for several matches; Partick midfielder Stevie Lawless was banned for six matches, with four being suspended, earlier this season after betting on 513 fixtures. Barton has until October 12th to respond with a hearing planned for October 27th.