Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes has dubbed Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton's cynical challenge during their Premiership clash at the Fratton Park on Saturday, as "not necessary", but has admitted some consolation as the England international apologised.

Mendes told the Portsmouth News: "Barton's tackle was very hard and not necessary.

"I never do these things - and in England I always come off worst.

"I haven't had much luck against Manchester City. It's incredible. I always score but never finish the match.

"City is a dangerous club for me. When I play them I need to take out a special insurance against injury.

Pompey won the match 2-1, following Mendes' opening strike as early as the fifth minute. But in the 40th minute, the Portuguese's left ankle was stamped by Barton which saw Mendes being stretchered off the field.

Mendes is also surprised because this was his second straight match against City which he could not complete. In the match at Manchester, Ben Thatcher had elbowed out Mendes.

"But Barton has given me an apology. In that way he has done more than Thatcher."