Footballer in court over assault

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/7292072.stm

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Premiership footballer Joey Barton has appeared in court charged with assault and affray in Liverpool.

The 25-year-old, who plays for Newcastle United, was arrested in the early hours of 27 December following a night out with friends and family.

The charges relate to a row outside a McDonald's restaurant.

Mr Barton, of Foxbank Close, Widnes, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court where he was bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 April.

His brother Andrew Barton, 19, of Widnes, and friend Nadine Wilson, 27, of Childwall, Liverpool, were also arrested after the incident.

Andrew Barton, who is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and Miss Wilson, who is charged with common assault and affray, also appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

They were both bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 April.