Former Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has been charged with wounding with intent following an alleged assault that left a man with serious injuries near a golf club in Merseyside.
Merseyside Police confirmed that Barton, 43, and another man have been charged after emergency services were called to an incident in Huyton on Sunday evening. Officers responded to reports of a man being attacked close to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club shortly after 9pm.
The alleged victim was taken to hospital suffering significant injuries to his face and body. Police later confirmed he remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Police statement confirms charge
Authorities say two men were taken into custody following the incident and will appear before magistrates.
In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed the charges after their investigation into the alleged assault.
“We can confirm that two men have been charged following an assault in Huyton on Sunday night, 8 March.
“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 serious injuries to his face and body. He is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.”
Reports suggest the altercation began inside the clubhouse before the situation escalated outside. There are also indications that a weapon may have been involved, although full details of the alleged events have not yet been confirmed publicly.
Former midfielder turned manager
Barton enjoyed a long professional playing career before moving into management. The midfielder represented clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Marseille, Burnley and Rangers, while also earning a single England cap.
After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching and took his first managerial role at Fleetwood Town in 2018. He remained in charge there for nearly three years before leaving the club in January 2021.
Just weeks later he was appointed manager of Bristol Rovers, taking over during a difficult period with the team battling relegation. Despite his arrival, the club ultimately dropped out of League One that season.
Barton remained in charge as Rovers attempted to rebuild and enjoyed a remarkable turnaround the following year. The team secured promotion from League Two in dramatic fashion on the final day of the 2021-22 campaign thanks to a 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe United.
However, his tenure eventually came to an end in October 2023 after an inconsistent start to the following season left the club in the lower half of the table.
Another controversy surrounding Barton
The latest development adds to a long list of controversial moments involving Barton during and after his playing career. The former midfielder has previously faced legal issues as well as disciplinary problems during his time in football.
Since leaving Bristol Rovers, he has not returned to management and instead launched a podcast discussing football and current affairs.
For now, attention will turn to the legal process following the charges brought by Merseyside Police. The case will now proceed through the courts, where the allegations surrounding the incident near the Liverpool golf club will be examined in full.
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the situation ensures Barton’s name is once again back in the headlines for reasons away from the pitch, something that has followed him repeatedly throughout a turbulent football career.
