Banned Barton released by Burnley

Joey Barton has been released by Burnley after being handed an 18-month ban by the Football Association.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who was hit with the penalty and a £30,000 fine in April after admitting breaking FA rules by placing bets on 1,260 football matches, has not been offered a new deal.

Barton has been released along with 31-year-old winger Michael Kightly with both men out of contract next month, while loan signing Jon Flanagan has returned to parent club Liverpool.

Manager Sean Dyche told the club's official website, www.burnleyfootballclub.com: "Joey leaves us for the obvious reasons after he has again been a big part of what we have achieved this season.

"Equally, Kights has been a great servant of the club and always a tremendous person to have around the group.

"Both players have had a big effect on what we have done during their time at Turf Moor and we wish them well, as we do all those leaving this summer."

However, the club has confirmed that talks with keeper Paul Robinson and midfielder George Boyd, who are also out of contract, are ongoing.