Joey Barton, a former Premier League midfielder, has pleaded not guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm stemming from an alleged assault on Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old former non-league football manager. The incident reportedly took place on March 8 near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in northwest England. During a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Barton appeared via videolink from Liverpool prison, denying the charges. Prosecutors claim that Barton and co-defendant Gary O’Grady were drinking with Lynch before a confrontation led to serious injuries, including damage to Lynch's eye. The trial is set for September 1 and is expected to last up to seven days. Barton has a long history of controversies, including a suspended prison sentence earlier this year for posting offensive content on social media. His past includes multiple legal troubles, including a conviction for assaulting his wife.