Barton charged with assault

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court later today after being charged with common assault and affray.

The 25-year-old was one of three people arrested by Merseyside Police in Liverpool in the early hours of yesterday morning following an incident in Church Street, in the city centre.

Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, remains in custody and will appear in court alongside two others charged in connection with the same incident.

Andrew Barton (aged 19) from Widnes, has been charged with actual bodily harm and affray and has been released on bail.

Nadine Wilson (aged 27) from Huyton, Merseyside, is charged with common assault and affray and released on bail.

Barton missed Newcastle’s game against Wigan on St Stephen's Day due to an ankle injury and is believed to have travelled to Liverpool for a night out in the city.

The player, who grew up in Huyton, signed for Newcastle from Manchester City this summer in a £5.8m deal and has one full England cap to his name.