Joey Barton is facing the threat of a 10-match ban - or longer - after the Football Association charged him with two acts of violent conduct.
Barton was sent off for elbowing Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez and then kicked Sergio Aguero before attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany at The Etihad on Sunday.
He will receive an automatic four-match ban as it was his second dismissal of the season, and could receive three-match suspensions for each of the violent conduct charges.
On top of that, the FA's regulatory panel will have discretionary powers to increase the length of the suspension if charges are found to be proven.
That leaves the midfielder facing a lengthy suspension at the start of next season - something that could deter interest from other clubs in signing him if QPR decide they wish to part company.
Barton insisted via Twitter that he had not lost his head but that a team-mate "suggested I should try to take 1 of theirs with me".
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes said Barton's future would be reviewed but that the 29-year-old had been an integral part of the club.
"There are experienced people who will come back to me and we'll review the whole situation," he told BBC Sport.
Fernandes highlighted the fact that Djibril Cisse was also sent off twice since in January.
He added: "Joey has been an integral part of the club and has played his part. Cisse has been sent off twice, and I think he was critical for us in terms of getting goals.
"This is football, and I'm new to it. I don't profess to have all the answers."
Barton today denied trying to deflect attention away from his behaviour after launching an expletive-laden attack on Alan Shearer, his former manager at Newcastle and current Match of the Day pundit.
Barton said on Twitter: "No deflections here mate. Think the fact about 100m people seen it will see to that. Just don't like how he goes personal..."
He added: "Right enough about yesterday, I apologise to everyone offended by it. If that's not enough for some, so be it. Life is too short.
"Things happen on the pitch, in the heat of battle sometimes. Not how we always plan them to happen.
"Still don't think it is a sending off. The head was never gone at any stage. Once I'd been sent off, one of our players suggested I should try to take 1 of theirs with me. Never worked but god loves a trier.
"Think a few people are forgetting Tevez started the fracas by throwing a punch to the head."
Barton has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charges.
The FA said in a statement: "The FA has today charged Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton in relation to two acts of alleged violent conduct during Sunday's match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
"Following the player's dismissal in the 54th minute of the fixture, there followed two incidents involving Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.
"As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside of the jurisdiction of the referee."
what do you think?
Steven Jones
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Name witheld
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
aa aa
it's a football pitch, not goose green. This idiot wouldn't last a day in the army, he's not hard enough. Even on the pitch , only lashes out because he knows he's going to be protected.
Gary Corbett
Haha joey haha
Mary Steel
Very bad example for all the youngsters watching the match, he is a disgrace and should receive the punishment this sort of behaviour warrrants. He is an ambassador for the sport, and should exercise some self control. Time he grew up.
Gavin Nellis
I love joey barton,thats a whole lot of passion in that man shame it comes out in a negative way
aa aa
You love a violent thug, who has proven on and off the field, on many occassions that he is such. That is not passion, that is a violent streak. Usually manifests itself when there are people around to protect him, i notice. Should be banned from the game, and thrown back in a gaol cell where he belongs. Wants to act the tough guy all the time, then Walton is the place for him. In his home town.
Gavin Nellis
gaol?????
Rob Shaw
It's not passion. He's just another chav with a pair of football boots
Grant Baines
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Andrew Field
ive always stuck up for barton in arguements in the past. i believe this lad can play football but sorry joey i now believe he should be signed high. if that happened in amateur football they would be banned. he is a role model to some people and it was just ridiculous. get rid now.
Gavin Nellis
This guy is fighting for his team against the best team in the country with his team written off by everyone in the country as relagated the passion this guy had running through him must have been immense,not to mention the pressure he had on him,when was the last time you done anything under that kind of pressure?
aa aa
I work under immense pressure every day, but i don't attack people when things aren't going my way. He's a thug, and gets away with murder.
Gavin Nellis
he hasnt murdered anyone and he hasnt got away with anything chill out and stop over reacting
Frank Taylor
Do we really need this dreadful behaviour on the football field, disgraceful way to conduct himself and a bad example to the many youngsters watching football. His comments on twitter show he has absolutey no remorse for his violent conduct, he should be banned for life
brian
Barton is the present unacceptable face of football today. He behaves as a head-banger on the field and then tries to defend his actions on twitter (does he ever train) or does he spend his life on his 'TWITTER COMPUTER'. His verbal attack on Shearer was unjustified, just because he (Shearer) spoke the truth. Come on Barton ' come to terms with yourself, your actions and temper (do not use the excuse of 'TRY TO TAKE ONE OF THEIRS') are you not an adult who can decide what is right or wrong. Get to grips, you are an average PL player who if does not get a grip will be viewed as unplayable. Be a man, face the medicine and change attitude, but I do not think you can.
Pete Bond
The man's a maniac. As he had already been sent off his actions were criminal acts. If this had happened on the street (and it probably has frequently for Barton) then he would be facing court and a prison sentence. Hope the FA withdraws his football registration.
philipalstead
Tongue in cheek, it could be argued that Joey Barton cost United the title, due to his antics creating the stoppage time which enabled City to get the two goals to win the title. Solution:- Alex Ferguson should sign Barton in the summer transfer window then shut him in a soundproof room with Rio Ferdinand and Vidic to give him a good kicking and then put him out on loan to third rate side in outer Mongolia for the rest of his playing career, job done!!
patriciaconstan
Joey Barton,let his team mates down ,his fans,and himself,in ,what was a very important match,this type of conduct cannot be accepted,very poor sportsmanship,he should not be allowed to play again,and perhaps anger management is what he needs
Cosycafe York Street Blackpool
has joey ever done kickboxing? he should take it up and be on the recieving end of it and get off the football field
Windows Live User
4:55pm on 14/5/2012
Time he was out of the game
aa aa
7:24pm on 14/5/2012
so say all of us !!!