Joey Barton punched in the face

Joey Barton attacked in street in Liverpool Joey Barton was sent off on the last day of the season and given a 12 match ban Footballer Joey Barton has been punched in the face outside a nightclub in Liverpool. Merseyside Police said officers were called to Eberle Street at about 05:30 BST following reports of a disturbance outside the Garlands club. They confirmed that a 29-year-old man who had been injured left the scene voluntarily. Two 21-year-olds are being held on suspicion of a public order offence and are currently in police custody. Barton, 29, was banned for 12 matches after being sent off in Queens Park Rangers' defeat at Manchester City on the final day of the season. The Football Association found him guilty of two counts of violent conduct. He joined QPR in August last year on a free transfer from Newcastle and became club captain.