Image Courtesy: BBC
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton will face a new trial later this year on charges of assaulting a rival football manager. On Monday, the former England international was accused of assaulting former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel at Sheffield Crown Court.
His trial began on Monday, and Mr Stendel began testifying about the alleged event. However, on Tuesday, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC ruled that translation challenges that arose while Mr Stendel gave evidence via video link from Germany were insurmountable. Judge Richardson ordered on Wednesday that the trial will resume on November 26, according to court sources.
The 38-year-old denies assaulting former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel and causing physical damage to him. Mr Barton was released on an unconditional bond. Mr Barton is accused of pushing Mr Stendel in the tunnel after the game at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium, which the South Yorkshire club won 4-2, causing him to hit his head and hurt his face.
The Bristol Rovers manager, who previously played midfield for Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Burnley, was in charge of League One side Fleetwood at the time of the April 2019 incident. The trial has already been postponed for a year due to Covid and is the oldest case on Sheffield Crown Court’s book. Mr Barton, who will face trial on 26 November, is on unconditional bail.