Fleetwood manager Joey Barton 'emphatically denies' assault allegations

Barton is said to have confronted Barnsley boss Stendel in the tunnel after last Saturday's game
Barton is said to have confronted Barnsley boss Stendel in the tunnel after last Saturday's game Credit: PA

Joey Barton has “emphatically” denied allegations that he assaulted Daniel Stendel

The Barnsley manager was seen with blood pouring from his face after his side’s victory against Fleetwood Town after an alleged altercation in the tunnel at Oakwell following the 4-2 defeat on Saturday.

South Yorkshire Police have bailed a man who was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated offences after the incident, which left the German manager requiring emergency dental treatment.

Speaking for the first time Barton wrote on Twitter: “With regards to the alleged incident on Saturday following our game against Barnsley, I emphatically deny all the allegations made. Given this matter has not been formally closed, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment.”

Cauley Woodrow, the Barnsley forward, tweeted after the match that Stendel had “blood pouring from his face” after he was “physically assaulted”. The 24-year-old has since deleted the tweet.

Fleetwood face Peterborough at home on Friday and Barton took training as normal ahead of the match. He also held a press conference, but did not answer any questions about the alleged incident.

It emerged on Wednesday that police are probing if there was a racial element to the alleged assault.

Earlier this week, Barnsley lodged a formal complaint with the English Football League and the Football Association, saying they were working with police to assist with all enquiries.

Police have not confirmed the identity of the man who was arrested and have asked for the media and the public to “refrain from speculation” as they are concerned it may harm their investigation.

They also said that officers are looking to speak with anyone who had “caught the incident on camera or who may have mobile phone footage immediately before or after the incident occurred.”

Fleetwood are currently 11th in League One in Barton’s first season as a manager.

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