Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Barton charged with assault

28 Dec 2007 - 07:16:16

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Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has been charged with assault following his arrest in Liverpool in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The former Manchester City player hails from the Huyton area of Merseyside and was arrested alongside two others at 5.30am in Liverpool city centre.

A Merseyside Police spokesman confirmed: "Two males aged 25 and 19 and a woman aged 27 were arrested at 5.30am today (Thursday) on Church Street in Liverpool City Centre following an allegation of assault.

"All three remain in custody for interview and processing and I expect a decision on charges or release will be made later tonight."

Barton, who has been changed with common assault and affray, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and missed the Magpies' 1-0 Boxing Day defeat by Wigan Athletic.

The 25-year-old joined Newcastle this summer in a £5.8 million deal but his career has been dogged by disciplinary problems.