The 25-year-old was one of three people arrested in Liverpool in the early hours of yesterday following an incident in Church Street, in the city centre.

Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, remains in custody and will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court today alongside two others charged in connection with the same incident.

Andrew Barton, 19, from Widnes, has been charged with actual bodily harm and affray and has been released on bail.

Nadine Wilson, 27, from Huyton, Merseyside, is charged with common assault and affray and released on bail.

Barton missed Newcastle's game against Wigan on Boxing Day due to an ankle injury and is believed to have travelled to Liverpool for a night out in the city.

The player, who grew up in Huyton, signed for Newcastle from Manchester City this summer in a $14 million deal and has one full England cap to his name.