FORMER football player turned manager Joey Barton has been arrested after a man was allegedly attacked near a golf club.

FORMER football player turned manager Joey Barton has been arrested after a man was allegedly attacked near a golf club.

Emergency services scrambled to the scene on Sunday after receiving reports a man had been assaulted close to the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, Merseyside.

A man was found suffering with injuries to his face and ribs and rushed to hospital for treatment.

Following the incident a 43 -year-old man, now understood to be former Premier League star Joey Barton, and a 50-year-old man were arrested.

Cops took the pair into custody on suspicion of Section 18 wounding.

They remained in custody while detectives questioned them over the alleged assault.

A probe into the incident remains ongoing and cops are asking anyone with any information to come forward.

There was a large police presence at the golf club with locals reporting a cordon was put up in the area as investigators launched their probe.

Police officers asked those nearby for witness accounts and doorbell footage.

One police car remained in the area until 6am on Monday morning

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that two people have been arrested following reports of an assault in Huyton on Sunday 8 March.

“At around 9pm, emergency services were called to Fairway to reports of a man having been assaulted near to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.

“The victim was taken to hospital for assessment of injuries to his face and ribs.

“A 50-year-old man and a 43-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of s18 wounding.

“They are both currently in custody where they will be questioned by detectives.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.”

Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system.

He moved to Newcastle United in 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in 2011.

The midfielder was put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season.

He moved to Rangers on a two-year deal but that was ended after eight games. – The Sun