Joey Barton pleads NOT guilty after Huyton 'golf club fight'

Joey Barton pleads NOT guilty to GBH after Huyton 'golf club fight'Ex-Man City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton was one of two men allegedly involved in an altercation close to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, in MerseysideNewsPhil Cardy Senior Reporter10:47, 07 Apr 2026Updated 10:55, 07 Apr 2026View ImageBarton has been charged with wounding with intent(Image: PA)Former footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to assault following an alleged fight at a golf club.Barton appeared by video link from HMP Liverpool for today's plea hearing. Former footballer Barton was previously remanded in custody after being charged with assault following a fight at a golf club.The Ex-Man City and Newcastle United midfielder was one of two men allegedly involved in an altercation close to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, in Merseyside. Police confirmed that Barton, 43, and Gary O’Grady, 50, had been charged following an alleged assault in Huyton on Sunday night.They were charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm when they appeared before Liverpool magistrates. At the time, Barton, wearing glasses, a blue top and white trousers, spoke only to confirm his name and address.The court heard a group of men were drinking at the bar and Barton had been in a “heated discussion” with the alleged victim, Kevin Lynch, 51. They left in opposite directions before Barton returned a few minutes later.Chelsea Kearns, prosecuting, said soon after four males were seen outside. Two of them were taking it in turns, allegedly punching and kicking a man to the head and body. He was allegedly stamped on and kicked while on the floor. Someone was heard shouting “stop, stop”.Some of the men left in a car as someone was heard telling one of the men he “should have behaved” the court heard. Mr Lynch was said to have suffered a “permanent, irreversible injury” and doctors fear he may lose the sight on one of his eyes.In a statement earlier, Merseyside Police said: “We can con...