JOEY Barton has kicked his last ball in a City shirt after a training ground fight with Ousmane Dabo.

The fed-up Blues will off-load the controversial England midfielder in the summer even though he has three years left on his contract.

Barton, who is currently on bail whilst Merseyside Police investigates an alleged incident with a taxi driver in Liverpool, had to be dragged off 30-year-old French midfielder Dabo as they left the pitch at Carrington following a tough tackling training session.

Eye witnesses say that 24-year-old Barton rained punches down on his team-mate before Paul Dickov rushed to break the pair up.

Barton was ordered to go home and stay at home for the rest of the season and some reports late last night suggested he had already left the country. Dabo was taken to hospital to have his facial injuries checked out.

Boss Stuart Pearce, after consulting the board, declared that Barton would never again feature in one of his teams. Earlier in the season he had praised Barton's improved maturity.

City have been given many chances to sack or sell Barton. His list of misdemeanours include stubbing a cigar out in the eye of a youth team player, being sent home from a pre-season tour, and baring his backside to Everton supporters.

Agent Willie McKay, who represents Barton and Dabo, said: "This sort of incident happens at training grounds across the country but because it's Joey Barton he's an easy target.

"As far as I understand, Ousmane Dabo made the first move. In my opinion both lads are first-class individuals and players."