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JOEY Barton could face another suspension after it emerged he is under investigation for betting on a Celtic match.

The controversial Rangers star was barred from the club’s training ground for three weeks yesterday after an explosive row with manager Mark Warburton in the wake of last weekend’s defeat to their Old Firm rivals.

And he is now being probed by the Gambling Commission for betting on Celtic to suffer a heavy defeat to Barcelona in the Parkhead outfit’s following match.

Brendan Rodgers’ team were hammered 7-0 by the Spanish superstars in the Champions League clash.

The decision to ban Barton until the first week in October has left the 34-year-old Scouser’s future hanging by a thread.

And even if he is able to beat the odds and talk his way back into Warburton’s good books, he could be hit with a suspension by the SFA, who have a zero tolerance policy on betting on football matches.

The Record understand a red flag was raised by bookmakers last week after a bet was placed on Celtic to suffer a heavy defeat in the Nou Camp.

It’s alleged the wager – for Celtic to lose by at least three goals – was placed on Barton’s personal account with bookies Betfair.

(Image: PA Wire)

The SFA were immediately informed of suspicions and contacted the Gambling Commission, asking them to

investigate the matter.

It’s understood Rangers and the player have also been notified that the probe has been launched. The Gambling Commission will present their findings to the SFA before the matter is handed over to

compliance officer Tony McGlennan, who will decide what action, if any, should be taken against Barton.

Any potential punishment is likely to be limited to a suspension of one or two matches, as there is no suggestion that Barton was involved in match fixing or attempting to influence results.

In September 2013, former Rangers player Ian Black had to sit out three games after admitting to gambling on 160 matches over a seven-year period – including betting against his own team in three games.

Black was also fined £7500 and had a further seven-match ban suspended.

Later that season, Ayr United striker Michael Moffat was given a six-game ban after being found guilty of placing seven bets on six matches involving his own team.

Moffat also admitted to betting on an additional 150 matches involving other teams.

(Image: SNS GROUP)

His ban was later dropped to four games – with two more suspended – after an appeal. Last May, Partick Thistle striker Steven Lawless received a six-game ban after being accused of betting on more than 500 games during a three-year period.

Four of those matches were suspended which meant Lawless sat out just two games.

Another former Rangers player, goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, served a one-game ban for betting on 50 games over a period of 12 months.

Compliance officer McGlennan appealed against that decision, describing it at the time as “unduly lenient” but this was rejected by a tribunal.

It is unclear whether Barton is suspected of making any additional wagers since signing for Rangers on a free transfer in the summer.

The investigation is expected to last several weeks.