QPR skipper Joey Barton denies his attack on Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was a ploy to avoid scrutiny over his red card mayhem at Manchester City.

He denied accusations from presenter Gary Lineker that his attack on Shearer was an attempt to deflect attention away from his conduct.

Barton posted on Twitter: "No deflections here mate. Think the fact about 100m people seen it will see to that. Just don't like how he gets personal..."

He added: "Right enough about yesterday, I apologise to everyone offended by it. If that's not enough for some, so be it. Life is too short.

"Things happen on the pitch, in the heat of battle sometimes. Not how we always plan them to happen.

"For there are brighter sides to life and I should know because I seen them, but not very often..."