Joey Barton has been charged with assault following his bust-up with former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

The England cap allegedly attacked his fellow midfielder on the training ground towards the end of last season.

Barton, who has since left City for Newcastle United, was formally charged with assault by police after answering bail in Manchester on Thursday.

Following the incident he was suspended by City before completing a £5.8million move to Premier League rivals Newcastle earlier in the summer.

The midfielder is currently recovering from a metatarsal injury, which will delay his Magpies debut until a few weeks into the new season.

A spokeswoman for Barton said the footballer "strenuously denies the charge"
and "welcomes the opportunity to clear his name in the public forum".