Merseyside police confirmed Wednesday they have terminated their inquiries into the incident, and will now leave the Football Association (FA) to consider any further punishment.

"Merseyside Police has been in consultation with the FA in relation to the (Barton) incident. The FA will now continue with their own investigation," a police statement read.

City boss Stuart Pearce earlier called for a sense of perspective to be applied to any punishment meted out to the 23-year-old midfielder.

"Let's get things into a little bit of perspective," said Pearce.

"Maybe some of the things that were said to that player are a more serious matter but we are not going to rake that up.

"At best it's a bit of comedy that everyone should laugh off."