England and Tottenham legend Gary Lineker has hit back at tweeting QPR skipper Joey Barton over his attack on Match of the Day colleague Alan Shearer.

Lineker defended Shearer by posting a message to Barton saying:

"Still raging then? Still kicking out? And still, presumably, misunderstood? But only by yourself I suspect."

Barton responded with a string of venomous retorts that included a threat to reveal the skeletons in the former England striker's closet.

"do u wanna go there publicly "Mr Squeaky Clean" ? Think u should have a look in that vast closet of skeltons before u respond.

"I know a lot about THAT side to u the people don't and won't bat an eye lid at exposing u. So mind ur manners Squeaky...

"now back under your stone you odious little toad..."