Joey Barton was this morning in custody after being arrested on suspicion of wounding following a fight at a golf club.
Daily Mail Sport understands that the former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder is one of two men held after an altercation close to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, in Merseyside.
Emergency services were called to the facility on Sunday night following reports of an assault. One man was taken to hospital for assessment of injuries to his face and ribs.
It is understood that an argument started inside the clubhouse. There is a suggestion that a weapon was subsequently produced from outside the building and that Barton may have been acting in self-defence.
An investigation has been launched into the incident. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: ‘We can confirm that two people have been arrested following reports of an assault in Huyton on Sunday 8 March.
Joey Barton has allegedly been arrested following a fight near a Liverpool golf course
Emergency services were called to reports of a wounding near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Sunday night
Enquiries are ongoing after two people were arrested following the alleged incident
‘At around 9pm, emergency services were called to Fairway to reports of a man having been assaulted near to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
‘The victim was taken to hospital for assessment of injuries to his face and ribs.
‘A 50-year-old man and a 43-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of s18 wounding.
‘They are both currently in custody where they will be questioned by detectives.
‘Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.’
Barton, 42, won one cap for England during a professional career in which he played for City, Newcastle, QPR, Marseille, Burnley and Rangers before embarking on a career in management after retiring in 2017.
His first role in the dugout came in 2018, where he enjoyed a three-year stint at Fleetwood Town, leaving the club in 10th position in League One before moving onto Bristol Rovers in February 2021.
After two years with the League Two club, he was dismissed at the start of the 2023-24 season following a disappointing start to the campaign.
Barton has not returned to management since the Rovers job and has launched his own podcast, Common Sense with Joey Barton.
The 42-year-old has faced a string of legal issues during his football career and since retiring, including criminal damage and communications offences.
