Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is expected to avoid a suspension today when he attends a Football Association hearing into his shorts-dropping antics.

The 24-year-old is set to be fined after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

He has requested a personal hearing with an FA disciplinary commission to discuss the incident which saw him drop his shorts in front of Everton supporters.

Merseyside Police decided not to take any action against Barton following the incident which happened 10 days ago, and although FA officials felt they had to act, it is understood that Barton will not be banned.

The FA said in a statement yesterday: "Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has admitted a charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute and requested a personal hearing.

"The charge related to Barton's conduct following the final whistle of City's match against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday September 30."

Barton will tell the disciplinary commission that, before baring his backside twice to Everton fans, he was being targeted for abuse about his half-brother Michael, who is serving a 17-year prison sentence for a racist murder in Liverpool.

City had criticised the FA's decision to charge the midfielder because of the context of the offence, and stressed Barton had not reacted aggressively to the taunts.

Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said at the weekend: "The player accepts that some elements of his behaviour following the game with Everton were ill-advised and he apologises to anybody who may have felt offended.

"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.

"We believe the FA should have taken into account the context of the incident and noted he behaved without any malice, and in a light-hearted manner."