SEAN Dyche has labelled Joey Barton's 18-month ban from all football activity 'a bit harsh'.

The Burnley midfielder was hit the Football Association after an Independent Commission Hearing into a misconduct charge for betting offences.

The 34-year-old said on Wednesday he planned to appeal the decision and felt it was unfair, a view backed by Dyche today.

"We feel it’s a bit harsh," the Clarets chief said. "I don’t know how you balance these things in football. The legend that is Eric Cantona got a nine month ban (for assaulting a fan).

"We know the rules and I must make that clear. There’s no intent other than his own personal gambling, no attempt to change games.

"Eighteen months seems a long time to me. The FA have a role and we respect that decision. They’re obviously showing strength in these decisions, I only assume they’re going to move on to cheating, diving. I’m sure they’ll move on to the bigger picture."

Dyche said Barton's contract with Burnley, that expires at the end of the season, covered an eventuality that would see him banned for a long period of time, although he refused to go into specific detail.

"As a business, that side was taken care of," he said. "We didn’t want it to get in the way that he was a worthwhile player to bring back.

"We gave him the platform to affect us in a positive manner. We move forward. It’s another opportunity for someone to come in."

Asked if there may be a future for Barton at Turf Moor once his ban ended, Dyche added: "That’s too far out of our hands to even consider that. He will appeal and we’ll have to see how it goes."