Premiership footballer Joey Barton has appeared in court over allegations of assault and affray.
The 25-year-old Newcastle United midfielder was arrested in Liverpool along with his brother Andrew Barton and friend Nadine Wilson.
He is accused of causing actual bodily harm and affray following a row outside a McDonald's restaurant in Church Street after a night out on Boxing Day.
Barton, 25, of Widnes, did not issue a plea at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
The player's brother Andrew Barton, 19, from Widnes, is also charged with causing actual bodily harm.
A charge of affray against him was dropped when he appeared before magistrates on Wednesday.
Nadine Wilson, 27, from Huyton, Merseyside, is charged with common assault and affray.
All three were bailed until 12 March when they will appear again before magistrates.
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