Barton could face a club fine of £100,000 according to The Sun, 'for sticking a lighted cigar into the eye of a youth-team player at the club’s Christmas party on Sunday night.
Midfielder Barton, 22, had allegedly been stubbing the cigar on to players’ arms at the bash at Lucid nightclub in Manchester. But the evening turned ugly when youth player James Tandy, 18, crept up behind Barton and tried to burn his shirt with a lighter.
Barton turned round and put the cigar into one of Tandy’s eyes. The teenager’s friends, angry at the attack, set on Barton and he was hit over the head with a bottle. Police were not called to the incident and both players were back training yesterday.
A City spokesman said: "We are aware of a minor incident that took place on Sunday involving two members of our playing staff. An internal investigation is already being carried out and the matter is being dealt with by the club."