Former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to a serious assault charge, adding yet another chapter to his long and often controversial story off the pitch.
As per reports from Sky Sports and BBC Sport, the 43-year-old appeared via videolink from Liverpool prison during a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.
Barton denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, in an incident that allegedly took place on March 8 near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in northwest England.
Prosecutors allege that Barton and co-defendant Gary O’Grady were drinking with Lynch at the club before the situation escalated.
Lynch, described as a former non-league football manager and founder of NexGen Academy, a special education
school, reportedly sustained serious injuries, including damage to his eye.
Judge Andrew Menary has scheduled the trial for September 1, with proceedings expected to last up to seven days.
In the meantime, Barton has been remanded in custody, while O’Grady remains on conditional bail.
Police Investigation
Merseyside Police confirmed they responded to reports of an assault around 9 pm on March 8. Officers found a man with injuries to his face and ribs, who was later taken to the hospital.
Authorities stated that two men, aged 43 and 50, were arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding, a serious offence involving intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Arrest Revealed During Court Hearing
Details of Barton’s arrest surfaced in an unexpected setting, during a High Court libel case involving the former footballer and pundit Eni Aluko.
Long Career And A Long History of Controversy
Barton enjoyed a 14-year professional career, making 269 Premier League appearances, including 130 for Manchester City. He also had spells with Queens Park Rangers, Burnley FC, and Rangers FC before transitioning into management roles at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
However, his post-playing years have been repeatedly overshadowed by controversy and legal trouble.
Previous Legal Issues
Earlier this year, Barton received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, for posting grossly offensive content on social media directed at broadcaster Jeremy Vine and pundits including Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
He has also faced multiple legal battles in the past, including a conviction for assaulting his wife and a 2024 libel case that resulted in damages being awarded to Vine.
(with agency inputs)
