British soccer player admits mooning

MANCHESTER, England, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- A Manchester City midfielder has admitted bringing British soccer "into disrepute" by mooning Everton, England fans during a match.

The Football Association said Joey Barton requested a hearing, which was set for Oct. 10, Sky News report Barton dropped his shorts twice Sept. 30, showing his rear end to Everton fans who had been heckling him.

"Barton has admitted a charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute and requested a personal hearing," the association said in a statement.

Manchester City team spokesman Paul Tyrell said the governing body should keep in mind Barton acted "without any malice and in a light-hearted manner."

"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," Tyrell said. "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."