Barton hit in face in street fight

Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been punched in the face outside a nightclub.

The controversial QPR midfielder was involved in a fight with two men outside Garlands nightclub in Liverpool city centre. A picture of the incident, apparently showing a shirtless Barton being held back by police and a woman, appeared on Twitter.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "Merseyside Police were called to Eberle Street in Liverpool city centre at 5.30am this morning following reports of an altercation. On arrival officers found a 29-year-old man who had sustained injuries to his face. The man left the scene voluntarily."

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