NEWCASTLE United new boy Joey Barton today denied attacking a former Manchester City team-mate in a training ground bust-up.
Barton, 24, appeared at Trafford Magistrates' Court to face one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The England midfielder ''strenuously denied'' the allegation he attacked Ousmane Dabo during a Man City training session.
Liverpool-born Barton was arrested after the incident at Manchester City's training ground complex in Carrington, South Manchester, on May 1.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail if he is found guilty.
The player was suspended by Manchester City after the incident, and sold by the club to Newcastle in June in a £5.8 million deal.
He is now out of action for the North East club after fracturing a metatarsal in his left foot during a pre-season friendly last month.
Barton was given unconditional bail and ordered to appear back at Trafford Magistrates' Court, in Manchester, on October 4.
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