Police were investigating an incident in the tunnel involving Joey Barton after Barnsley’s match against Fleetwood at Oakwell.

Neither club fulfilled their media duties after the match, in which Fleetwood had Harry Souttar sent off after 65 minutes with Barnsley leading 2-1. There appeared to be a lengthy disagreement between the two benches after the game, before they made their way to the tunnel.

A South Yorkshire police spokesman said: “We are aware of something that has taken place in the tunnel after the game and we are investigating.”

A Barnsley statement read: “The club can confirm there was an alleged incident in the tunnel area that took place following the conclusion of today’s match, which South Yorkshire police are currently investigating. The club is assisting the police with its inquiries and, as a result, we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time.”

Sky Sports News showed footage of Barton being driven away from Oakwell but being flagged down and prevented from leaving the stadium car park by police officers.

Mike-Steven Bahre and Woodrow had given Barnsley a 2-0 half-time lead in the game but Ched Evans reduced the deficit in the 64th minute. Moments later, though, Souttar was sent off for elbowing Cameron McGeehan. The victim of that offence then extended the home lead and, though Wes Burns pulled it back to 3-2, Jacob Brown settled the match. The result lifted Barnsley to second while Fleetwood remained 11th.