Newcastle United’s Joey Barton has received a six month jail sentence for assault and affray.

The 25 year old, who has 1 England cap, was arrested shortly after Christmas last year after an altercation outside a fast food restaurant in Liverpool.

Following his arrest Barton came under the care of Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic, in a bid to deal with his problems with alcohol as part of his bail conditions.

He returned to action with Newcastle on 29th January and enjoyed an impressive end to the season in helping United up the Premier League table.

The midfielder admitted the charges last month but court enforced reporting restrictions were only lifted on Tuesday.

He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where Judge Henry Globe QC sentenced him to jail for six months.

The judge told him it was a “violent and cowardly act”.

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