Joey Barton waiting for verdict on appeal against 18-month ban

Joey Barton could find out next week whether his appeal against the length of his 18-month ban from football has been successful, Sky sources understand.

The former Burnley midfielder's appeal has now been heard by the Football Association and the 34-year-old is waiting to learn the verdict.

Barton was banned from all football activity for 18 months in April when he was also fined £30,000 for admitting to placing 1,260 bets on matches between 2006 and 2016, some of which he was involved in as a player.

The once-capped England international said he was addicted to gambling but felt the suspension was "excessive".

Barton appeared in front of a three-person appeal board made up of three specialist panel members, including one independent legally-qualified chairperson.

There is no formal timescale for a verdict to be announced but Sky Sports News understands it could come as early as next week.

Barton was released by Burnley less than a month after the ban was handed down but said he was not ready to call time on his professional football career.