Former Man City midfielder and ex-Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton could remain in prison until 2027
The trial has been delayed.
Former Manchester City and England midfielder Joey Barton could remain in prison until next year after his trial over an alleged attack on a man outside a golf club was delayed.
The 44-year-old denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on March 8. He was due to face trial this week but at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday Judge David Potter adjourned the trial to March 8, 2027.
The case is expected to last two weeks. Barton was remanded in custody and will next appear for a bail application hearing on Monday. Barton appeared in court for the hearing, on his birthday, wearing a navy blue suit and tie with a blue shirt.
He made a thumbs up gesture to a man in the public gallery as he left the dock. The attack is alleged to have taken place after he had been drinking with Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Former Man City and QPR midfielder Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, has one England cap and also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.