Barton 'sucker punched' in fight (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Barton 'sucker punched' in fight

4:59pm Monday 4th June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been arrested after a fight outside a nightclub.

The Queens Park Rangers midfielder, 29, 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. But after they were held in custody and questioned, Barton and a 20-year-old man were also arrested in the afternoon.

All have been bailed pending further inquiries - apart from Barton, who remains in police custody where he will be questioned by officers.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Following an altercation in Eberle Street, Liverpool city centre, in the early hours of this morning, four men have been arrested on suspicion of affray.

"Two 21-year-old men were arrested at the scene in the early hours of this morning and another two men, a 20-year-old from the Liverpool area and 29-year-old from the Widnes area, were arrested this afternoon. The two 21-year-old men and the 20-year-old man have been questioned by officers and have been released on bail pending further inquiries. The 29-year-old man remains in police custody where he will be questioned by detectives."

Earlier Barton, who has become well-known for his opinionated Twitter outbursts, confirmed there had been trouble outside the club.

The Liverpool-born midfielder tweeted: "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."

The player is under investigation by QPR after he was given a 12-match ban by the Football Association. He was banned by English football's governing body after being sent off during QPR's defeat at Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season. During the match, he elbowed one Manchester City player, kicked out at a second and attempted to headbutt a third.