French league upholds Barton's nine-game ban

PARIS (AP) -- The French Football League has upheld Joey Barton's domestic ban by the English Football Association, ruling the midfielder out of a further nine league and League Cup games with his new club.

The LFP said in a statement on Thursday that "the punishment is applicable'' in France for "national competitions'' and that Barton has served three matches of his ban.

Barton joined Marseille from Queens Park Rangers, where he was serving a 12-match league suspension for elbowing Carlos Tevez, kicking Sergio Aguero and trying to head-butt Vincent Kompany in the final game of last season against Manchester City.

The 30-year-old is eligible for the Europa League and could make his debut away to Fenerbahce on Sept. 20, but will have to wait until November for his league start.

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