Joey Barton will not face charges over street fight

Published on 20/07/2012 01:56

Premier League footballer Joey Barton will face no further action after being arrested for affray last month.

The Queens Park Rangers midfielder, 29, was involved in a fight with two men outside a nightclub in Liverpool city centre early on 4 June.

Barton was reportedly on a night out with his girlfriend when the incident took place.

After being arrested, the midfielder, tweeted: “I got sucker punched in the back of the head.

“Not injured as reported just a small bruise on rear of head/ear. I’ve had worse. Life goes on! Thanks for the concern. Have a good day people.”

A picture of the incident, apparently showing a shirtless Barton being held back by police and a woman, was also circulated on Twitter.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “Four men arrested in connection with an altercation in Eberle Street, Liverpool on 4 June will face no further police action.”

Barton has a long history of controversy, both on and off the pitch.

In 2008, he was given a six-month jail term after admitting assault and affray during an incident which also took place in Liverpool city centre.

In May, he was given a 12-match ban by the Football Association and fined £75,000 for violent conduct during QPR’s defeat at Manchester City on the final day of the season.