JOEY Barton will remain in custody after he was charged with assaulting a man near a golf club.
The ex-footballer was remanded into custody on March 10 following the alleged attack close to the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, Merseyside.
It came after Kevin Lynch was rushed to hospital with injuries to his face and ribs.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard he is in a serious but stable condition in hospital but there is a possibility he may lose sight in one eye.
Barton, who is charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, was remanded ahead of a hearing at the city’s crown court on April 7.
He was today refused bail by Judge David Potter following an application.
Barton’s co-accused Gary O’Grady, 50, was released on bail after being charged with the same offence.
The court was told Mr Lynch, 51, had been drinking with the defendants at the £1,440-a-year golf club on March 8.
Chelsea Kearns, prosecuting, said he and Barton then allegedly appeared to have a “heated discussion”.
The men then went outside, where a witness described seeing a man being punched, kicked and stamped on, it was said.
Barton allegedly warned Mr Lynch as he was attacked: “You should have behaved.”
There was previously a large police presence at the golf club with locals reporting a cordon was put up in the area.
Police officers asked those nearby for witness accounts and doorbell footage.
Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.
He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.
The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
He moved to Rangers on a two-year deal but that was ripped up after just eight games following bust-ups with team-mate Andy Halliday and manager Mark Warburton.
He was also investigated by the Scottish FA for breaching gambling rules.
Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.
The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
