Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Assault Outside Golf Club

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea to allegations of assaulting a 51-year-old man outside a golf club. The 43-year-old appeared remotely from HMP Liverpool for the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. He is accused of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Kevin Lynch at Fairway in Huyton on March 8. Barton's co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, did not enter a plea during the hearing. The alleged incident occurred after the defendants had been drinking with Mr. Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr. Lynch reportedly suffered serious eye injuries. The trial is set to begin on September 1 and is expected to last seven days. Joey Barton, who has played for several clubs including Manchester City and Newcastle, was remanded in custody, while Gary O'Grady was granted conditional bail.