Ex-Man City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton was one of two men allegedly involved in an altercation close to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, in Merseyside
Barton has been charged with wounding with intent(Image: PA)
Former footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to assault following an alleged fight at a golf club.
Ex-Man City and Newcastle United midfielder Barton, 43, was one of two men allegedly involved in a violent altercation close to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, in Merseyside. He and co-accused Gary O’Grady, 50, were charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm when they appeared at Liverpool crown court.
Wearing glasses and a grey fleece top, Barton, who has been held in custody since his arrest, appeared by videolink from HMP Liverpool from where denied the charge. Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC set a seven day trial for Barton due to take place from September 1.
Mr O’Grady, who appeared in person, was not asked to enter a plea. He is due to attend another hearing in June. The alleged victim, Kevin Lynch, was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after sustaining injuries to his face and body during the altercation at around 9pm on Sunday, March 8.
He was said to have been found covered in blood on Fairway, close to the entrance to the golf club, before emergency services were called to the scene. A previous court hearing was told a group of men were drinking at the golf club bar and Barton had been in a “heated discussion” with the alleged victim, Mr Lynch, 51.
Four males were later seen outside. Two of them were taking it in turns, allegedly punching and kicking a man to the head and body. He was allegedly stamped on and kicked while on the floor. Someone was heard shouting “stop, stop”.
Some of the men left in a car as someone was heard telling Mr Lynch he “should have behaved” the court heard. The alleged victim was said to have suffered a “permanent, irreversible injury” and doctors feared he may lose the sight on one of his eyes.
Mr Lynch managed Prescot Cables, Marine and City of Liverpool FC, and is also the founder and headteacher of NexGen Academy in Dovecoat, a school for children with additional needs.
Barton meanwhile made 269 Premier League appearances for a number of clubs including Man City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley. He also earned one cap for England. He went on to manage Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers and now host the Common Sense with Joey Barton podcast.
