Former professional footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged attack at a Merseyside golf club.
Barton, 43, appeared via video link from Liverpool prison during a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. He and co-defendant Gary O'Grady, 50, are accused of assaulting 51-year-old Kevin Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on March 8.
"Barton was remanded into custody and will face a seven-day trial beginning September 1," court officials confirmed.
The alleged victim, Lynch, is a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy. Prosecutors claim he sustained serious eye injuries during the incident, which reportedly occurred after the defendants had been drinking with Lynch at the golf club.
O'Grady appeared in court but did not enter a plea during the hearing. Barton had previously been denied bail at an earlier magistrates court proceeding.
Barton, who made one appearance for England's national team, played for several prominent clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille during his career. He later transitioned into management with Fleetwood Town.