Barton appears in court on assault charge

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton appeared in court today charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The 25-year-old was arrested in the early hours of December 27, after a Boxing Day evening out with friends and family.

Barton appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court alongside his brother Andrew Barton, 19, and Nadine Wilson, 27, of Liverpool.

Andrew Barton, who is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and Wilson, who faces charges of common assault and affray, were arrested alongside Barton following a visit to a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool city centre.

All three have been bailed and will reappear at Liverpool Crown Court on April 23 for a plea and case management hearing.