Former professional footballer Joey Barton faces a significant delay before his trial on charges of assaulting a man near a golf club in Merseyside. The ex-Manchester City midfielder was first arrested following an incident at the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on March 8, 2026. He has been remanded in custody since his arrest and appeared in Liverpool Crown Court this week for what was originally scheduled to be the start of his trial.

Barton, 44, denied charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent involving Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old former non-league football manager. Lynch was reported to have been found outside the golf club entrance with significant injuries to his face and ribs and was taken to hospital following the alleged incident.

At Barton’s court hearing, Judge David Potter granted a request from Barton’s barrister, Tim Forte KC, to adjourn the trial. The defense explained the need to contact additional potential witnesses, which contributed to the delay. As a result, the trial has been postponed until March 8, 2027, nearly a year from the date of the alleged assault.

Barton, who officially appeared in court on his birthday, was remanded in custody once again and may face up to six more months in jail while awaiting trial. A bail hearing is scheduled for the following week. The trial process is expected to last approximately two weeks, according to court officials.

The former footballer, who has made 269 Premier League appearances for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, and Burnley, remains in custody at a prison near his home in Widnes, Cheshire. The court’s decision to keep him remanded reflects ongoing concerns about the case’s progression and the necessity of securing witness testimony.

The case continues to draw attention given Barton’s high profile in the world of football and the serious nature of the charges. Both Barton’s defense team and the prosecution are preparing for a trial that will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident at the golf club last March.