Barton charged with assault but vows to clear his name

PREMIERSHIP footballer Joey Barton last night vowed to clear his name after he was charged with assaulting one of his team-mates during an alleged training ground bust-up.

The midfielder “strenuously denies” the allegation that he attacked Ousmane Dabo during a Manchester City training session.

And 24-year-old Barton, who will appear at Trafford Magistrates’ Court next Thursday, said he welcomed the chance to prove his innocence in court.

Liverpool-born Barton, who now plays for Newcastle United, was arrested after the incident at Manchester City’s training ground complex in Carrington, south Manchester, on May 1.

He was bailed by police until today while officers made further inquiries and took statements.

Earlier yesterday he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm under section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail if found guilty.

In a short statement Barton said he denies the charge.

A spokeswoman for Barton said: “Our client, Joey Barton, was today charged in relation to a training ground incident which occurred on May 1 this year.

“Joey strenuously denies the charge and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name in the public forum. No further statements will be issued.”

The player was suspended by Manchester City after the incident, and sold by the club to Newcastle in June in a £5.8 million (€8.6m) deal.

He is now out of action for the north-east club after fracturing a bone in his left foot during a friendly last week.

Newcastle was one of a number of clubs keen to sign the highly-rated midfielder despite his chequered disciplinary record.

Should the case go to trial it can be heard either at a magistrates court or in front of a jury at a crown court.