Queens Park Rangers were prevented from dishing out a near-£1m fine to Joey Barton following his meltdown against Manchester City.

The 29-year-old saw red on the final day of the season at the Etihad Stadium after elbowing Carlos Tevez.

However, Barton caused further ignominy when he kneed Sergio Aguero and attempted to head-butt Vincent Kompany before leaving the pitch.

The Loftus Road hierarchy wanted to fine the controversial midfielder three months' pay - amounting to £840,000 - but were stopped when the PFA blocked the action.

Instead, the £70,000-a-week star will incur a £420,000 - equal to six weeks' wages.

The FA have also imposed a 12-match ban.