Joey Barton has apologised for making "inappropriate" comments which have reportedly left his Rangers playing career in the balance.
The 34-year-old, who moved to Ibrox from Burnley in the summer, was handed a temporary ban by the Gers on Thursday after a training ground bust-up with teammate Andy Halliday and members of the coaching staff.
Rangers refused to comment on the situation, but Barton has now taken to Twitter to give his view on the spat that took place in training on Tuesday - 72 hours on from the heavy Old Firm defeat to rivals Celtic at Parkhead - and stressed that no violence took place.
"Obviously after [the] Old Firm game on Saturday everybody was hurting and in training on Tuesday there was full and frank discussion about the result and reasons for our loss," he said. "I, like everyone else, care deeply about the task at hand, which is to restore Rangers Football Club to the top of Scottish football. The discussion we had involved some sharp disagreement about the game and some harsh words were said.
"There were only words involved in the disagreement, nothing else. Nevertheless, some of the words used did overstep the mark. As someone who communicates directly, I accept that some of the things I said were inappropriate and for that I apologise unreservedly. I cannot, however, apologise for caring deeply about winning and for wanting to perform better myself and for Rangers to do much better.
"The manager felt that my words were inappropriate and asked that I take some time out to reflect on what was said. He judged that it was best if I didn't report for training again until Monday. Whilst I don't feel that this was necessary I fully respect the manager's decision. I regret what happened and on Monday I will report for training and I will do what it takes to help the team draw a line under it so that we can get back to the task at hand.
"I want Rangers to win. This is all I care about and my overriding intention is to give my all, everyday, in order to help Rangers to do that. I hope this message clarifies the situation and puts to bed all the other speculation and nonsense. Rangers needs to get back to winning football matches. This is the most important thing for me now."
Barton has made seven starts and one substitute appearance for Rangers since joining the Scottish Premiership club.
Daniel Lewis
