Joey Barton not permitted to play in Grenfell Tower fundraising game

Joey Barton says he is disappointed at not being allowed to participate in this year's fundraising fixture for victims of the Grenfell Fire.

Queens Park Rangers announced they will be staging a match at Loftus Road on September 2 to raise funds for those affected by the disaster.

The #Game4Grenfell will feature a host of current and ex-professionals such as David Seaman, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Ally McCoist, as well as many celebrities.

However, Barton, who played for QPR for four years, is not permitted to take part because of his FA ban from all football activity until June 1, 2018, after admitting a breach of betting rules.

And Barton took to Twitter to announce his disappointment, expressing: "Would have loved to be supporting #Game4Grenfell.

"But FA have decided my ban extends to helping a great cause. So, unfortunately, unless someone engages their brain, I won't make it."

The Football Association announced last month that proceeds from next month's Community Shield will be donated to support those affected by Grenfell Tower disaster.

The FA - alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and title sponsors - hope to raise around £1.25m.