Joey Barton has to be restrained after his red card against Manchester City on Sunday

Derry believes ‘stupid reaction’ of Rangers skipper should not overshadow club’s Premier League survival

Shaun Derry admitted Joey Barton was ‘in a dark place’ as the QPR skipper faced up to the prospect of a lengthy ban after his red card against Manchester City yesterday.

Barton was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez midway through the second half at the Etihad, and kneed Sergio Aguero in the back as he was hauled from the field by City and QPR players.

Barton’s second red card of the season means he now faces a minimum four-game ban at the start of the next campaign, although that could be extended to seven or 10 matches once the Football Association reviews the incident.

Derry played down Barton’s actions as QPR celebrated their dramatic survival on the final day of the league season, but admitted his team-mate’s actions were reckless.

“We understand his feelings. He’s probably in a dark place at the minute but I don’t want to make something out of this. It’s not about Joey Barton, it’s about QPR and a group of guys,” said Derry.

“Joey’s going to feel very bad about it, but we’re a unit in there, through the good times and the bad times throughout this season. Joey’s right up there with us. I feel for him because he’s made a stupid reaction.”

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