Former footballer Joey Barton has been charged with wounding with intent following an alleged assault near a golf club, Merseyside Police say.
Barton, 43, was one of two men arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding following reports a man had been attacked near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “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. Two men were arrested.”
Emergency services were called to the scene in Huyton at 9pm on Sunday and Merseyside Police officers found a man with injuries to his face and ribs, who was taken to hospital for further treatment.
(Image: PA)
Barton made 269 appearances in the Premier League, including 130 for Manchester City. Following his playing career he had a spell as manager of League One side Bristol Rovers.
Barton now presents the Common Sense with Joey Barton podcast where he discusses football, cancel culture, grooming gangs and politics.
An earlier statement by Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that two people have been arrested following reports of an assault in Huyton on Sunday 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 injuries to his face and ribs. A 50-year-old man and a 43-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of s18 wounding.
“They are both currently in custody where they will be questioned by detectives. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.”