Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea to allegations of assaulting a man outside a golf club. The 43-year-old appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool for the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. He denied intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to 51-year-old Kevin Lynch at Fairway in Huyton on March 8. Co-defendant Gary O'Grady, 50, did not enter a plea. The incident allegedly occurred after the defendants had been drinking with Mr. Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr. Lynch, founder of NexGen Academy, reportedly suffered serious eye injuries. A trial date has been set for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days. Barton was remanded in custody, while O'Grady was granted conditional bail. The former footballer, who has played for several clubs including Manchester City and QPR, currently hosts the podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton.