The 43-year-old, who previously played for several top English clubs, is believed to be one of two men detained by police after reports of a violent altercation in Huyton on Sunday evening.
Authorities say emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9 p.m., when reports emerged that a man had been attacked near the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
When officers from Merseyside Police arrived at the location on Fairway, they discovered a man who had suffered injuries during the incident. Paramedics treated the victim before taking him to hospital for further medical assessment.
Police have not publicly released the full details of what led to the confrontation, but investigators confirmed that two suspects were arrested shortly after officers began responding to the scene.
The arrest of Barton came as a surprise twist during a separate legal hearing unfolding the following day.
On Tuesday, the former footballer was due to be connected to proceedings at the High Court in London related to an ongoing libel dispute involving former England international Eni Aluko.
During that hearing, barrister Gervase de Wilde, who was representing Aluko, informed the court that Barton was unable to attend because he had been detained by police.
Addressing the judge, de Wilde explained that his legal team had just received unexpected information.
“My instructing solicitor has received a call from a duty solicitor in a police station in Liverpool,” he told the court shortly before the proceedings began.
The barrister then revealed the development that immediately drew attention across the courtroom.
“Mr Barton was arrested yesterday and is currently being held in custody,” he added.
The announcement stunned many observers present, particularly given the timing — as Barton was already involved in high-profile legal proceedings unrelated to the alleged assault.
Police later confirmed the arrests in an official statement but stopped short of publicly identifying the suspects at the time.
“We can confirm that two people have been arrested following reports of an assault in Huyton on Sunday, March 8,” the spokesperson said.
“At around 9 p.m., emergency services were called to Fairway to reports of a man having been assaulted near to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.”
Authorities added that investigations remain ongoing as detectives continue gathering information from witnesses and reviewing any available evidence.
While details remain limited, police confirmed that the victim had been taken to hospital following the incident.
For Barton, the arrest marks yet another controversial chapter in a career that has frequently been surrounded by headlines.
During his playing days, Barton was known for his aggressive style in midfield and his outspoken opinions. Over a professional career that spanned more than a decade, he played for several major clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers.
He also spent time playing in France with Olympique de Marseille before eventually transitioning into coaching and media work after retiring from professional football.
However, Barton’s career has often been overshadowed by disciplinary incidents and controversies, both during and after his time as a player.
In recent years, he has become a highly vocal figure on social media, frequently commenting on football, politics and public life — often sparking debate with his blunt and provocative statements.
The latest incident in Merseyside now raises new questions about what exactly occurred on Sunday night.
Investigators are expected to examine witness accounts, medical reports and any possible surveillance footage from the area surrounding the golf club.
Meanwhile, the alleged victim’s condition and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain key parts of the investigation.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they continue to piece together the events leading up to the reported assault.
For now, Barton remains at the center of a rapidly developing case that has once again placed the former footballer under intense public scrutiny.
As the investigation unfolds, the coming days are likely to bring further updates about the arrests, the condition of the victim and whether formal charges may ultimately follow.
Until then, the shocking arrest of one of England’s most controversial football figures continues to reverberate across both the sporting world and the legal system — leaving many waiting to learn what really happened outside that quiet golf club in Huyton on Sunday night.
