Joey Barton has refuted allegations of assaulting an individual outside a golf club located in the north-west region of England. The 43-year-old, who previously played for Manchester City and Newcastle, participated in a plea hearing via video link from a facility in Liverpool.

During the session at Liverpool Crown Court, he entered a not guilty plea to the charge of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Kevin Lynch on March 8. His co-defendant, Gary O’Grady, was not required to submit a plea at this time.

In a prior court session, it was revealed that both defendants had been socializing with Lynch at the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club before the alleged incident. Lynch, who has served as a non-league football manager and is the founder of NexGen Academy, a school for special education, reportedly sustained significant injuries to one of his eyes.

Judge Andrew Menary has scheduled the trial to commence on September 1, anticipating that it will span seven days. This decision was made during a brief 15-minute hearing that addressed various administrative issues.

Barton remains in custody, while O’Grady has been granted conditional bail, supported by several family members present in court.

Throughout his football career, Barton earned one cap for the England national team and had notable tenures with clubs including Rangers and Marseille.