Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club

Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club

Joey Barton, a former professional footballer, has refuted claims of attacking a man at a golf club in Merseyside. The 43-year-old, based in Widnes, was remanded in custody after appearing via video link from Liverpool Prison at Liverpool Crown Court. This followed a previous magistrates’ court session where he was denied bail. Barton faces a seven-day trial starting 1 September, alongside 50-year-old Gary O’Grady, who is also accused of participating in the assault. The incident occurred on 8 March at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, where the two defendants were allegedly involved in a conflict with Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old former non-league football manager and founder of NexGen Academy, a special education school.

During the earlier hearing, it was revealed that Lynch had been drinking with the accused before the alleged attack. He sustained severe injuries to his eye, as reported by the court. O’Grady entered the courtroom but did not yet plead guilty or not guilty. Barton, who played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille, also managed Fleetwood Town during his career. His England appearance was brief, limited to a single cap.

Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

Updates on the case can be found through BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds, BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.