Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Assault Near Golf Course

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations of assaulting a man outside a golf club. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, the 43-year-old denied intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to 51-year-old Kevin Lynch on March 8. Barton's co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, did not enter a plea during the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. The incident is reported to have occurred after the defendants and Mr. Lynch spent time drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr. Lynch, founder of NexGen Academy and a former non-league football manager, allegedly suffered severe eye injuries. A trial date has been set for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days. Barton, a former midfielder for several prominent football clubs including Manchester City and QPR, now hosts the podcast 'Common Sense With Joey Barton' and was remanded in custody.