FA takes no action against Barton

Barton was booked for the challenge on midfielder Mendes

The Football Association has decided to take no action against Joey Barton over the Manchester City midfielder's tackle on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp accused Barton of deliberately hurting Mendes, who was stretchered off.

The FA also contacted Hampshire Police, who said something "of concern" had occurred at the end of the match.

But an FA spokesman said: "There is not enough evidence to proceed with any action against Joey Barton."

Barton was booked by referee Mike Dean for the 41st-minute tackle on Mendes, who was later diagnosed with a badly-bruised Achilles tendon.

Redknapp's protestations to Dean for stronger action have landed him with an FA charge of verbally abusing a match official and he has until next Monday to request a personal hearing.

The Portsmouth boss said: "Barton meant to do it. The ball had long gone. Anyone who says it was an accident needs their head examining. He deserved a red card."

City boss Stuart Pearce believes Barton is becoming the victim of a witch hunt and feels he has done nothing wrong.

Pearce told the Manchester Evening News: "There have been times when Joey has been out of line and I have let him know that, but this is not one of them.

"If Joey has done wrong, he knows that I will tell him. That is the only way people learn.

"But I will back him all the way in this instance."