Bobby Madden in Joey Barton bust up addresses as ref insists lack of FA support played into retirement call

Bobby Madden has admitted that he didn't feel supported by the English FA after a spat with Joey Barton.

The now retired whistler spent last term in the lower leagues of England was involved in a confrontation with the former Rangers midfielder during an English League One clash with Scott Brown's Fleetwood Town. Barton got a red card the 89th minute of the game last November with his side leading 2-1, only to see leveller struck nine minutes into added time.

Barton then posted a bizarre apology for bad language that included a screengrab of the referee's Wikipedia page, and Madden has told the Sunday Post he didn't feel enough backing from the FA and it played a part in calling it a day early. He explained: "In English football they are challenging 'Poor Participant Behaviour'. I'm all for that. Howard Webb has made it clear what the new rules are and players need to get on board with it. It's not a six-week publicity stunt. They are booking players for kicking the ball away. They are accurately capturing on-field stoppage time and time-wasting.

"As I said, there is a responsibility from referees to improve the overall product and help to make sure fans are getting value for money. They are also putting managers and coaches under greater scrutiny for their behaviour and conduct in the technical area.

"I worked in English football and all refs will welcome dialogue with managers and coaches but it needs to be respectful and calm.

"Referees are not there to be insulted and for managers to be abusive towards. I had an incident with Joey Barton and I reported it, and went through the proper channels.

"But I didn't feel I was supported by the FA and the way they dealt with it really frustrated me. That played a part in my