Barton trial over assault charge

Mr Barton was arrested while at Manchester City

Footballer Joey Barton has been ordered to stand trial accused of assaulting a former team-mate.

The Newcastle United player is accused of attacking ex-Manchester City colleague Ousmane Dabo at City's training ground on 1 May.

Mr Barton, 25, from Widnes, Cheshire, appeared at Trafford Magistrates' Court. He denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was bailed and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 22 November.

The alleged assault happened at the club's training complex in Carrington, south Manchester.

The player was suspended by Manchester City after the alleged incident and sold by the club to Newcastle in June in a £5.8 million deal.

He is now playing in reserve games to restore his fitness after suffering a fractured metatarsal in his left foot during a pre-season friendly.