Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club

Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club

Joey Barton, a retired professional footballer, has refuted claims of attacking a man at a golf club in Merseyside. The 43-year-old, based in Widnes, is set to face a trial at Liverpool Crown Court following a plea and preparation hearing. He appeared via video link from Liverpool Prison, where he was again denied bail.

Charges and court proceedings

Barton and 50-year-old Gary O’Grady are accused of causing serious harm to Kevin Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of NexGen Academy, during an incident at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on 8 March. Lynch sustained significant eye injuries, according to the earlier court hearing. The trial, lasting seven days, is scheduled to begin on 1 September.

Background of the defendants

The court was informed that the accused had been consuming alcohol with Lynch prior to the alleged assault. Barton, who once played for clubs such as Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille, also had a managerial stint at Fleetwood. O’Grady, however, did not formally respond to the charges during the hearing.

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