Barton denies team-mate assault - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Barton denies team-mate assault

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton today pleaded not guilty to attacking former team-mate Ousmane Dabo in a training ground bust-up.

Barton, 24, appeared at Trafford Magistrates' Court to face one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Joey Barton arriving at court

The England midfielder "strenuously denied" the allegation he attacked Dabo during a Manchester City training session.

Liverpool-born Barton was arrested after the incident at City's Carrington training ground on May 1.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail if he is found guilty.

Barton was suspended by City after the incident, and sold to Newcastle in June in a £5.8 million deal.

He is now out of action for the north-east club after fracturing a metatarsal in his left foot during a pre-season friendly last month.

Barton was given unconditional bail and ordered to appear back at Trafford Magistrates' Court in Manchester on October 4 at 9.30am.

Prosecuting, David Alcock described the incident as a "vicious attack".

Barton, who was using crutches, spoke to confirm his name and address and to enter a plea. The brief hearing lasted 10 minutes.

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