QPR chief Philip Beard feels they made the right call stripping Joey Barton of the captaincy after his Manchester City meltdown.

Beard defended the club's punishment, and is hopeful the player will be able to put the incident behind him as they prepare for a second season back in the Premier League.

He said: "It was important that we took our time to make sure we came to the correct decision, which I believe we have achieved.

"Joey's behaviour, which led to his red card at Manchester City, and his subsequent actions were completely unacceptable and we have made our feelings on this matter known to him.

"I am really pleased with the way the club and Joey have worked towards reaching a conclusion and we fully believe he will respond to these sanctions in the correct manner."