Midfielder Barton faces up to baring all

MANCHESTER, England, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has apologized for a flashing incident during a game with Everton in Britain last week.

Barton dropped his shorts after Micah Richards scored a goal in stoppage time, earning Everton a 1-1 draw with Barton's Manchester squad. The Football Association cited Barton with "improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute."

The association gave Barton until Friday to admit or deny the charges. A hearing is set for next week.

"The player accepts that some elements of his behavior following the game with Everton were ill advised and he apologizes to anybody who may have felt offended," Manchester City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said on the club's Web site. "He has been reminded of his responsibilities as a custodian of this football club but we do not believe his actions warrant any further investigation.

"It is our firm opinion that the matter should end there."