Joey Barton accused of kicking wife during drunken row

Former footballer Joey Barton is facing assault charges after allegedly pushing his wife, Georgia Barton, to the ground and kicking her in the head during a drunken altercation at their home in Kew, London, in June 2021. The incident reportedly escalated after Barton threatened to fight his wife's brother and father, leading to a violent confrontation where friends had to intervene. Georgia Barton sustained injuries, including a swollen forehead and a bleeding nose, and described the incident in a tearful 999 call to the police, stating it was the first time such violence had occurred. Prosecutors highlighted that both parties had consumed significant amounts of alcohol before the altercation. Barton, who denies the charges, appeared in court wearing casual attire and is awaiting further proceedings. The case has drawn significant media attention due to Barton's previous high-profile football career.