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Barton lashes out at 'mercenary' Tevez

Carlos Tevez and Joey Barton clashed in a major way last season © Getty Images

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Joey Barton has reignited his feud with Carlos Tevez, five months down the line after their first altercation.

Barton was sent off while playing for Queens Park Rangers against Manchester City at the end of last season after an incident involving Tevez that resulted in a 12-match ban for the midfielder.

The 30-year-old hit out at his opposite number on Twitter in the immediate aftermath, claiming Tevez got him sent off with a punch to the head.

And after receiving criticism for his actions, the Marseille loan signing has now claimed the Argentina international is not perfect either, referring to his off-field troubles.

"Tevez? He is a mercenary!'' Barton is quoted as saying in the Times. "Of course, I'm crafty, but people like me, I've been involved in some troubles, I'm a bad boy.

"But Tevez, in the last six months, went on strike, came back in Argentina to play golf. He did everything to be fired. And never forget he kicked me first."

Barton has also hit out at the Football Association after both Luis Suarez and John Terry received smaller punishments than his 12-match ban, Suarez received an eight-match ban while Terry was given four.

"What is the message for kids?" Barton said. "So, if I was insulting to City's players, I would be less punished."

Meanwhile, Barton was involved in an altercation on Tuesday during a friendly between Marseille and Istres, slapping an opponent after two rough tackles.

However, manager Elie Baup has defended his player, telling La Provence: "In his mind, a friendly doesn't exist. He is a competitor, those things can happen."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.