Former soccer player turned podcaster Joey Barton has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault. Barton, 43, was one of two people arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault following reports of an attack on a man near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Huyton at 9pm on Sunday. Merseyside Police found a man with injuries to his face and ribs, who was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Officers arrested two men, aged 50 and 43, on suspicion of Section 18 assault. Sources told the Liverpool ECHO newspaper that Burton, who was born in Huyton, is the younger of the two.
Barton made 269 appearances in the Premier League, including 130 for Manchester City. Following his playing career, he went on to become manager of League One side Bristol Rovers.
Barton currently presents the Joey Barton podcast, Common Sense, where he discusses football, cancel culture, gang grooming, and politics.
Merseyside Police set up a cordon on Fairway in Knowsley town on Sunday night. Police removed the cordon, but it is believed they have since reinstalled it.
Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that two people have been arrested following reports of an assault in Huyton on Sunday, March 8. At around 9pm, emergency services were called to Fairway following reports of a man being assaulted near 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 were both arrested on suspicion of s18 assault.”
“The two individuals are currently in custody and will be questioned by detectives. The incident remains under investigation.”
