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

But the Burnley boss said the club were covered financially with details written into the deal that saw Barton return to Turf Moor in January on a contract until the end of the season.

The Clarets midfielder was hit with the Football Association ban on Wednesday following a hearing into his misconduct charge for betting offences and said he planned to appeal the decision and felt it was unfair, a view supported by Dyche.

“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.”

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, it is understood Barton is now on significantly reduced terms following the sanction handed down.

“The business side of things are private and personal but this was considered on any agreement Joey had with us from the off,” Dyche said.

“We knew this case was going to be answered at some point and we knew that outcome was unlikely to be shake hands, don’t worry about it, get some education. It was likely to be some form of ban.

“The financial details are all covered.”

Dyche said he respected and understood the FA’s decision, but added: “I’m not going to start analysing the whys and wherefores of what a panel would consider right and wrong.

“I don’t think there’s been a case like this with that many bets over that many years. Not one that’s come to light. So I understand from the FA’s point of view that it’s an individual case and they’ll look at that.

“Because they’re all different things, Andre Gray’s tweet, Cantona’s kung-fu kick and betting, the only thing I would say just as a general view… if I was just a bloke in the street, I would be thinking: Well what’s really the worst? Do I want to see my kids jump over a rail and kung-fu kick someone? Or do I want to know that someone privately had some bets on things that had no effect on anyone apart from himself and the betting company?”

Dyche said Burnley were waiting to get the full details of how the ban would work and said he had spoken to Barton since the ban came through.

“It was really quick the other day. We got the news, he came in, we had a chat. First things first go and see your family, make sure they’re okay,” Dyche said.

“Have a think about things, speak to your legal team, let the dust settle and we’ll discuss it further.”

“We’ll find out all the details but in it’s rawest form it’s any football activity.

“The details are things like can he run on the treadmill at the training ground? I presume he probably is. Can he run on the treadmill then run on the pitch? I presume not.”