Dabo stunned by Barton bust-up

The France international required hospital treatment after the pair clashed at the training ground in what Dabo claims was an unprovoked incident which saw Barton banned until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old told The Sun: "When I woke up I looked at myself in the mirror with my face all swollen up and I looked like the Elephant Man. I've never known anything like this before in my career."

The pair exchanged fierce challenges which led to them squaring up before, Dabo claims, Barton launched his attack.

He continued: "I just pushed him away and turned my back to walk off. That's when he hit me. I really don't remember exactly what happened but I've been told by all my team-mates he hit me from behind, a right hook which hit me on the temple and knocked me out for a few seconds.

"As I started to fall he jumped on top of me, held my head and punched me twice more in the face.

"Apparently when I was on the floor he again punched me before being pulled off.

"When I came round, and it can only have been a matter of seconds, there was blood everywhere. I was spitting blood and my eye was clouded over and when I realised what had happened - I wanted to go after him."

The former Lazio player claims, unlike Barton, he has had no contact with the Professional Footballers' Association and is considering legal action.

"Nobody from the union has contacted me or offered me support. I'm going to speak to my lawyers."