Joey Barton described his expulsion from Rangers training as "strange" and stated that he has "nothing to apologise for" in light of his recent training ground bust up.
Rangers boss Mark Warburton has told Barton to re-evaluate and reflect on his comments following his side's 5-1 drubbing at the hands of fierce rivals, Celtic.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Manchester City and Burnley player clarified his position.
"They’ve told me to stay away but there are a lot of misconceptions out there at the moment," he told Jim White.
"I’ve been asked to reevaluate the way I’m thinking, but I don’t think that’s going to change - I want Rangers to win.
"We lost to our fiercest rivals at the weekend and we’ve been picking the bones of how we get better, how we get Rangers back to the top of Scottish football.
"We’re asked for an opinion and I’m someone who gives an opinion. Two passionate Rangers players have then shared opinions on how we get better and what’s going wrong - it’s nothing more and nothing less than that.
"Obviously sometimes the way I communicate can be a bit blunt, a bit direct, and it ruffles people’s feathers, which I know I have to work at, but I don’t apologise for trying to win.
"There is absolutely no issue with me and Andy [Halliday]. There was no anger. We sat down in the dressing room afterwards and spoke through what was said. It’s disappointing that certain people are trying to insinuate that there is, because it’s completely false.
"Andy is a mad, passionate Rangers fan, he’s stood in the terraces, so I’ve got great respect for him. He cares deeply about making the club better, as it do.
"But the way it’s been handled is strange.
"When you look at my history and you’re told to stay away from the club, it does look like something more has happened, and that’s why I’ve decided to get on the radio and speak."
Joey Barton wasn't afraid to get stuck in during the Old Firm last weekend. Image: Andrew Milligan / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Asked whether or not he had apologised to manager Warburton he replied: "…I don’t believe I’ve done anything to apologise for.
"It’s the tone of language I’ve used [that was the problem]. Maybe I don’t communicate like somebody who has been educated at Eton, but that’s not me, I’m from Liverpool. I communicate how I communicate and I want to win football matches.
"It can be bristling at times and for that I take responsibility. Maybe I could communicate better and I accept that, but the message doesn’t change.
"It’s not the wrong message I’m communicating, and it’s unfair for anybody to say that is the case."
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