QPR's captain Barton blasts back at boo-boys

QPR captain Joey Barton has slammed the fans who booed him during his side's dramatic victory over Liverpool, even though he admits it was the worst performance of his career.

Mark Hughes's decision to substitute Barton after 62 minutes of Wednesday's Premier League match at Loftus Road brought cheers from sections of the QPR support who had booed the midfielder for a lacklustre display.

Barton has struggled to find his best form since joining QPR from Newcastle earlier this season and he conceded it had been a woeful effort against the Reds.

With Barton off the field, QPR recovered from two goals down to claim a 3-2 victory thanks to three goals in the final 13 minutes, including a winner from his replacement Jamie Mackie.

But former Manchester City star Barton refused to let the boo-boys get to him and he hit back by insisting they should show more support.

"Disappointed with fans booing, we're meant to be in it together," Barton tweeted.

"They won't break me, guaranteed. I've been through much worse.

"Enough of the negative **** anyway. What a ******* result, great spirit shown by the boys and loyal fans tonight. Not the bells that booed.

"Form is temporary, class is permanent. I was awful tonight. Worst I've ever played in my career.

"But we WON.......and that's the most important thing. Onwards and upwards."

Meanwhile, QPR manager Hughes insists Barton is too thick-skinned to be troubled by the abuse.

"Joey was not having the best of times. It was unfortunate that maybe a few felt the need to possibly boo him, but Joey is very strong as we all know," Hughes said.

"He won't let it affect him and he will play a big part in what we do from now until the end of the season.

"Tonight was not his night, but there will be other nights."

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