In the early morning on June 4 Joey Barton was arrested “on suspicion of affray” after an alleged brawl took place outside a club in Liverpool’s city center.
The Queens Park Rangers’ midfielder was arrested around 5:30 a.m., but was later released; local authorities reported “Merseyside Police can confirm that the 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of affray has been released on bail pending further inquiries.”
Once out, Barton took to Twitter, explaining his side of the story “I got sucker punched in the back of the head…Not injured as reported just a small bruise on rear of head/ear.”
He later noted “I’ve had worse. Life goes on! Thanks for the concern. Have a good day people.” Followed by “Not planning on pressing charges as it’s not that serious. The police have also got better things to do with their time.”
That night the footballer detailed plans for a trip to Portugal, tweeting “Looking forward to Portugal now tomo. Bit of rest and lots of golf.”
A photo has surfaced on the internet of what appears to be a shirtless Barton being restrained by police while his girlfriend stands by his side.
