Burnley release Barton following betting ban

Joey Barton has been released by Burnley after receiving an 18-month ban from all football activity over betting rule breaches.

The 34-year-old was out of contract at Turf Moor and, following his lengthy suspension for placing more than 1,000 bets over a 10-year period, Barton's second spell at the club has ended.

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Barton previously indicated he would be forced into early retirement as a result of the ban unless its length was reduced on appeal.

Dyche hailed the impact of the one-time England international and Michael Kightly, who has also been released after three seasons with the club.

"Joey leaves us for the obvious reasons after he has again been a big part of what we have achieved this season," Dyche said.

"Equally, Kights has been a great servant of the club and always a tremendous person to have around the group.

"Both players have had a big effect on what we have done during their time at Turf Moor and we wish them well, as we do all those leaving this summer."

A club statement announced talks over the future of winger George Boyd and veteran goalkeeper Paul Robinson are ongoing, while full-back Jon Flanagan has returned to Liverpool at the end of his loan spell.