Joey Barton was up to his old tricks today but somehow managed to avoid a red card

The controversial Burnley midfielder was in the thick of the action during their FA Cup defeat to Lincoln City.

THE STORY OF the day so far is unquestionably Lincoln City pulling off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.

The non-league side earned a 1-0 win over Premier League club Burnley, with defender Sean Raggett heading home in the 89th minute.

Burnley v Lincoln City - Emirates FA Cup - Fifth Round - Turf Moor Barton standing over Lincoln City's Terry Hawkridge. Dave Howarth Dave Howarth

Clarets midfielder Joey Barton was lucky to stay on the pitch after a number of clashes with opponents throughout the 90 minutes.

First, Barton appeared to feign injury in an apparent attempt to get Lincoln striker Matt Rhead sent off.

'Premier League' player Joey Barton attempting to get a National League player sent off by cheating twice. What a top bloke. #BURLIN #FACup pic.twitter.com/dB5E1s0Scy
— Carl Jones (@CarlDJones) February 18, 2017

Then he tangled with Terry Hawkridge before Jon Flanagan pushed the winger to the ground.
https://www.facebook.com/ElevenSportsSG/videos/2227137214177074/

Barton, who has never been far away from controversy throughout his career, picked up a booking but should really have been shown red.

He took to Twitter to try and explain himself afterwards:

Wasn't trying to get the Big Man sent off. It was my job to front screen and disrupt him. Was trying to get back in front of him. (1)
— Joey Barton 🇬🇧 (@Joey7Barton) February 18, 2017

Joseph Barton / Twitter

Tried to duck under his arm and he moved it back and hit me on the head. Contact is part of the game, no problem with that. (2)
— Joey Barton 🇬🇧 (@Joey7Barton) February 18, 2017

Joseph Barton / Twitter

Unlike their player saying he was kicked on the floor and also the one who jumped and held his face as if he'd been struck. (3)
— Joey Barton 🇬🇧 (@Joey7Barton) February 18, 2017

Joseph Barton / Twitter

But that wouldn't make a good story would it. FairPlay to Lincoln. They where well organised and that's Cup football. Good luck in nxt rd.
— Joey Barton 🇬🇧 (@Joey7Barton) February 18, 2017

Joseph Barton / Twitter

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