Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club

Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club

Joey Barton, a retired professional footballer, has rejected allegations of assaulting a man at a golf club in Merseyside. The 43-year-old, based in Widnes, appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation session, following his earlier denial of bail by magistrates. He is now set to face a seven-day trial starting 1 September, alongside 50-year-old Gary O’Grady, who is also accused of participating in the incident.

The incident occurred on 8 March at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, where Barton and O’Grady allegedly confronted Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old former non-league football manager. Lynch, who founded NexGen Academy, a special education school, is reported to have sustained severe eye injuries during the altercation. The court heard that the defendants had been drinking with Lynch before the alleged attack.

O’Grady did not enter a plea during the latest hearing, while Barton’s case will be scrutinized for evidence of grievous bodily harm with intent. The trial will determine whether the charges hold. Barton, a midfielder, previously played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille, and later managed Fleetwood Town.

Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye during the incident.

Barton’s legal team will prepare for the trial, which begins on 1 September. The case has drawn attention to the events at the golf club, with the BBC providing updates through its platforms. For more information, listeners can tune into BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds, follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or view BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.