His Range Rover Sport can be seen using bus lanes to pass vehicles on the inside lane in Newcastle city centre in pictures published in the Daily Mirror.

The claims come on the day the 26-year-old is due to appear before the FA for a hearing after he assaulted former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton's hopes of a successful return to the playing field will be further diminished with the news of the resignation of Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, who was one of his most outspoken supporters.

The newspaper claims Barton drove along four bus lanes and past 14 "No Car" signs as he rushed to avoid heavy traffic.

After a 35-minute trip he arrived at the probation services office and emerged 35 minutes later.

Superintendent Dave Wormald of Northumbria Police said: "We have not seen this tape and therefore we cannot comment.

"Anyone who commits a driving offence that is reported to us can be assured that we will take whatever action necessary."

The midfielder is due to appear before the Football Association after admitting a charge of violent conduct towards former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

The former England star received a four-month suspended sentence for assaulting Dabo.

He also spent 74 days in jail after being sentenced to six months' imprisonment for assault and affray for assaulting Jordan Spencer, then 16, in the early hours of December 27 last year outside a Liverpool city centre McDonald's.