'Gutted' QPR skipper Joey Barton apologises for red card

Barton was on a Premier League record run of seven consecutive yellow cards

QPR captain Joey Barton says he is "gutted" to have been sent off in Saturday's defeat at Hull and has apologised for his "stupid reaction".

Barton was shown a first-half red card in the 2-1 loss after a shove on Hull defender Alex Bruce was followed by a swing at Tom Huddlestone's groin.

"I've apologised to the lads and would like to apologise to all QPR fans who travelled today," Barton tweeted.

The defeat leaves QPR above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Barton, who has now been sent off nine times in his career, continued: "I've let my team-mates down and being someone who puts the team above everything else I'm gutted about that."

The Hoops skipper, who was on a Premier League record run of seven consecutive yellow cards, initially looked like he was acting as peacemaker after a foul by QPR debutant Darnell Furlong on Nikica Jelavic.

But after pushing Bruce, a second lunge at Huddlestone saw him sent-off by referee Anthony Taylor in the 32nd minute.

QPR were 1-0 down at the time and though Charlie Austin equalised before half-time, a late strike from Dame N'Doye gave Hull three points.

Barton took to Twitter to explain his actions after the game

"I've tried to prevent Hull's players influencing the referee as you can see by me pushing Bruce away," the former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder tweeted.

"My actions towards Huddlestone were certainly not malicious, it was a stupid reaction to being barged but I can appreciate it wasn't right."

Hull's Huddlestone played down the incident after the game, saying: "Barton has done a reaction people do dozens of time in the week in training, when there is no malice in it. But the referee was right there and he saw it."

QPR manager Chris Ramsey said he would review the incident before deciding if QPR would appeal, but added that Barton would be a big loss as Rangers battle against relegation.

Barton - who has made 19 appearances in the top flight this season - could now miss QPR's next three Premier League matches against Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

"There was a bit of a melee and obviously the referee saw something that wasn't legal, and he has sent Joey off," Ramsey said. "He is a wholehearted player. He's more disappointed for the boys, and he is a massive player for us.

"It's always difficult when you have players who have that bit of edge, and trying to get their emotional control is the thing we need to get under wraps.

"I'm sure if the incident isn't a good one when we review it, Joey will be the first one to put his hand up and admit that he probably should have acted in a different manner.

"I would rather look at it in the cold light of day when tempers and emotions have calmed down, then discuss it with the player at that point."

Barton has now received a total of 77 cards in the Premier League - 71 yellows and six reds - and ranks sixteenth in the list of the league's most carded players, 30 behind leader Gareth Barry, who has 102 yellows and five reds.

Barton has been sent-off seven times in the Premier League during his career

The midfielder has also been booked 71 times in 247 appearances

QPR have picked up three points away from Loftus Road all season