Footballer Barton has betting ban cut after appeal

Former England international footballer Joey Barton has had his ban from the sport reduced by almost five months after an appeal.

In April, Barton, who was playing for English Premier League club Burnley at the time, was handed an 18-month suspension after he admitted to a misconduct charge related to betting.

An investigation from the English Football Association (FA) found the midfielder had placed 1,260 bets between March 26, 2006, and May 13, 2016.

The FA has strict rules in place regarding players in the top eight leagues betting on games and, as a result, banned Barton from all football activity and also issued a fine of £30,000 (€33,570/$39,370).

However, according to the BBC, the FA Appeal Board has now said that the initial ban was “excessive in the circumstances” as evidence from Barton’s consultant psychiatrist about his addiction should not have been rejected.

The Appeals Board added that the new ban “reflects the overall seriousness of the breaches and also the mitigation including the full extent of Mr Barton’s addiction”.

Related article: Barton faces 18-month suspension after betting breach