Former footballer Joey Barton will remain in prison for Christmas

Joey Barton, the once-capped England international footballer, will remain in custody until his trial in 2027 after a bail application was refused.

Barton, 44, a retired footballer and experienced manager, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, on March 8 2026.

Barton denies the charge.

He was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, September 2, but the case was adjourned until March next year, meaning he will spend Christmas in prison.

Barton appeared in a hearing over a video link from HMP Liverpool on Monday, September 7, wearing a grey zip-up fleece and nodded when Judge David Potter refused a renewed bail application.

The judge remanded Barton in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing on December 11.

Joey Barton's trial was adjourned until March 2027 (James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)

The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, will take place a year on from the alleged assault, meaning Barton, of Widness, Cheshire, will have spent 12 months on remand.

Barton is alleged to have attacked Lynch after the pair had been drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.

Lynch, founder of special education school NexGen Academy and a former non-league football manager, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

Barton made 435 appearances over a club career that saw him play for Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United, Burnley, Marseille and Rangers.

He went on to manage Fleetwood 128 times and 143 games at Bristol Rovers.