Joey Barton bailed following arrest for affray

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton was released from police custody on Monday night, following his arrest for affray.

The 29-year-old was involved in trouble in the early hours of Monday while on a night out with his girlfriend in Liverpool city centre.

Two men aged 21 and from the Old Swan area of Liverpool were arrested on suspicion of a public order offence at around 5.30am at the scene of the incident, outside Garlands nightclub in the city.

After they were held in custody and questioned, Barton and a 20-year-old man were also arrested on Monday afternoon.

Barton was released on bail on Monday night pending further enquiries by Merseyside Police. The three other men were bailed earlier in the day.

A statement from the force, said: “Merseyside Police can confirm that the 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of affray has been released on bail pending further inquiries.”

Barton, who has become well known for his opinionated Twitter outbursts, indicated on Monday night he was going on holiday on Tuesday.

He tweeted: “Looking forward to Portugal now tomo. Bit of rest and lots of golf…”

Earlier on Monday, Barton had made light of the incident on Twitter. He wrote: “I got sucker punched in the back of the head. Not injured as reported just a small bruise on rear of head/ear.

“I’ve had worse. Life goes on! Thanks for the concern. Have a good day people.”

Later he tweeted: “Not planning on pressing charges as it’s not that serious. The police have also got better things to do with their time.

“Can I just say a public thanks to the police last night as they were and have been today brilliant.”