Barton hit in face in street fight

Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been punched in the face outside a nightclub.

The controversial Queens Park Rangers midfielder was involved in a fight with two men outside Garlands nightclub in Liverpool city centre.

A picture of the incident, apparently showing a shirtless Barton being held back by police and a woman, appeared on Twitter.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: “Merseyside Police were called to Eberle Street in Liverpool city centre at 5.30am this morning following reports of an altercation.

“On arrival officers found a 29-year-old man who had sustained injuries to his face. The man left the scene voluntarily.

“Two 21-year-old men from the L13 area were arrested at the scene for a public order offence. They are currently in police custody.”