Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge

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 Kevin Lynch, 51, on March 8. Barton's co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, did not enter a plea during the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. The alleged incident 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, a former England player, was remanded in custody, while O'Grady was granted conditional bail. Barton currently hosts the podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton, which explores various topics including sports and society.