Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has admitted an improper conduct charge for dropping his shorts in front of rival fans and faces a fine or suspension Tuesday.

Barton, who has a history of disciplinary problems, exposed his backside to Everton's fans after last week's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. The Football Association said Monday he'd admitted the charge.

The incident happened at the end of the game after Barton had been taunted by the fans. City says it hopes that the FA accepts there was no malice in his actions.

``The player accepts that some elements of his behaviour following the game with Everton were ill-advised and he apologizes to anybody who may have felt offended,'' City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said Saturday.

``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 lighthearted manner.''

© The Canadian Press, 2007