Barton in court on assault charge

Barton was arrested while at Manchester City

Footballer Joey Barton has appeared in court charged with assault.

The Newcastle United midfielder, 25, is accused of attacking fellow player Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City's training ground complex on 1 May.

He appeared for a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court to set a trial date where he will face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Richard Varden, prosecuting, said the earliest date a trial could be held was 30 June next year.

He added: "I realise it seems a long way away although it's a straightforward allegation, there is an additional factor in that the defendant is a Premiership footballer."

Mr Varden said the witnesses in the case would be other footballers.

Mr Barton has said he "strenuously denies" the allegation. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The Liverpool-born midfielder was sold by Manchester City to Newcastle United in June in a £5.8m deal.