Barton bailed until March

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton appeared in court today over allegations of assault and affray.

Barton was arrested in the early hours of December 27, after a St Stephen's Day evening out with friends and family.

The 25-year-old has not issued a plea to charges of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Barton’s brother, Andrew Barton, 19, from Widnes, has also been charged with actual bodily harm after he, Barton and Nadine Wilson, 27, from Huyton, were arrested after visiting a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool City Centre on December 27.

A charge of affray against Andrew Barton was today dropped when the three appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.

All three have been bailed and will reappear before magistrates in Liverpool on March 12.