Scottish giants Rangers have suspended midfielder Joey Barton for three weeks.

The 34-year-old, who signed for Rangers from Burnley in the summer, was sent packing from the training ground last week following his bust-up with Andy Halliday in the wake of an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Celtic in the Old Firm derby.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers man held discussions with the club board and manager Mark Warburton over his future on Monday and the club have now released a statement announcing his suspension.

"Joey Barton has today been suspended by the club and will not return to Ibrox or Auchenhowie for a period of three weeks," the statement read.

"The manager, Mark Warburton, and club believe that time and space is required for both the club and the player to assess all that has happened.

"Neither party will make any further statement or comment on this issue."