QPR midfielder Joey Barton makes controversial 'Taliban' remark as he reveals Marseille transfer is off

Joey Barton's minutes of madness against Manchester City on last season's final day landed him a 12-game ban (Getty Images)

Joey Barton made reference to the Taliban today in revealing that his proposed switch to Marseille had fallen through.

The QPR midfielder took to Twitter this morning to tell of his disappointment that the proposed loan switch to the French outfit appeared to be off.

"Doesn't look like this Marseille thing is gonna happen now. 'Whatever doesn't kill you make you stronger" #heartbroken.

"Why can't things just be simple..."

The 29-year-old is currently serving a 12-match Football Association suspension following his sending off against Manchester City in the final match of last season. The former Newcastle player was stripped of the QPR captaincy in the aftermath of the incident in which he lashed out at numerous players.

In addition, he is yet to given a squad number for the current season. It now seems possible that he could face further action after he appeared to make controversial remarks about his team-mates in another tweet this morning.

"Been forced to go back training with the kids and fellow Taliban members at 2pm today..." he wrote.

Followed by: "Maybe this is time to dumb down and be dishonest. It seems to take you a long way in this game... "

QPR are yet to comment.