Newcastle midfielder Barton pleads not guilty to assault

LONDON, Aug 9 (Reuters) Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton pleaded not guilty to assaulting his former Manchester City team mate Ousmane Dabo when he appeared at Trafford Magistrates Court today.

Barton, who is accused of attacking Dabo at City's Carrington training ground on May 1, was released on bail to appear back at the same court on October 4.

The 24-year-old was arrested by Greater Manchester Police after the incident and was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm last week.

City suspended Barton following the incident and he left the club in June to join Newcastle. Barton will miss the start of the Premier League season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his left foot during a pre-season friendly.

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