Joey Barton is being investigated by police amid claims he left a rival manager with "blood pouring from his face" following a wild tunnel brawl.
The former Newcastle United ace, currently manager of Fleetwood Town , reportedly clashed with Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel.
Barton's side were beaten 4-2 at Oakwell, putting Barnsley ahead of promotion rivals Sunderland AFC.
But a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed it was looking into the claims.
Barnsley released a statement after the game which read: "The Club can confirm there was an alleged incident in the tunnel area that took place following the conclusion of today’s match, which South Yorkshire police are currently investigating.
"The Club is assisting the police with its enquiries and, as a result, we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time."
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Sky Sports News had reported that South Yorkshire Police are looking into an alleged assault by Barton on Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel.
Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow tweeted that Barton confronted Stendel, after the game. The tweet has since been deleted.
Woodrow, who scored his side’s second goal, alleged that Barton had left Stendel with “blood pouring from his face.”
A South Yorkshire police spokesman said: “We are aware of something that has taken place in the tunnel after the game and we are investigating.”
The incident reportedly happened in the tunnel after tempers had erupted in front of the dugouts following the conclusion of the game.
Reports suggest that the two managers had to be separated by stewards and police in the tunnel.
A video from Sky Sports News shows Barton being flagged down by police as he tried to drive out of the ground.
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Neither side fulfilled their post-match media duties after the final whistle at Oakwell.
Barton took charge of Fleetwood in the summer as his first managerial job and they are currently 11th in League One with five games left of the season.
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