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, Kevin Lynch, outside a golf club in Huyton. Barton, 43, appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool for the plea hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Lynch on March 8. Barton's co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, 50, did not enter a plea during the hearing. The incident allegedly occurred after the defendants had been drinking with Mr Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr Lynch reportedly suffered serious eye injuries in the alleged attack. 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. Barton, a former midfielder for several prominent football clubs, including Manchester City and QPR, now hosts a podcast called Common Sense With Joey Barton, which explores various issues in sport, society, and politics.