Joey Barton: Former footballer charged after alleged assault near a golf club in Merseyside

Former footballer Joey Barton has been charged in connection with wounding with intent, after a man was left seriously injured from an assault near a golf club at the weekend.

The victim is being treated in hospital for serious injuries to his face and body. He is said to be in a stable condition.

Barton, 43, and Gary O'Grady, 50, have been charged in connection with the assault.

They are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that two men have been charged following an assault in Huyton on Sunday night, March 8.

"At around 9pm, emergency services were called to Fairway to reports of a man having been assaulted near to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.

"The victim was taken to hospital for assessment of serious injuries to his face and body. He is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

"Two men were arrested. Detectives have now charged the following men with Section 18 wounding with intent: Joseph Anthony Barton, 43, of Widnes. Gary O'Grady, 50, of Huyton.

"Both men remain in custody to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court this afternoon, Tuesday 10 March."