Joey Barton denies assaulting former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel

The Fleetwood Town manager pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm

Joey Barton has denied assaulting Daniel Stendel during an incident following a League One match (PA)

Fleetwood manager Joey Barton will go on trial next year accused of assaulting former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel during an incident following a League One match.

Barton, 37, is alleged to have pushed the German at Oakwell on April 13, leaving him with a damaged tooth.

The ex-England midfielder pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday.

A provisional trial date was fixed for June 1 2020.

Barton, of Fox Bank Close, in Widnes, Cheshire, stood in the glass-fronted dock, flanked by a security officer, for the 15-minute appearance.

Joey Barton is alleged to have pushed the Barnsley boss (CameraSport)

He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth, that he is a UK national, and that he understood various matters outlined by the judge.

Wearing a dark blue jacket over an open-necked light blue shirt and sporting glasses, he also spoke to enter his not guilty plea to the single charge.

The ex-Manchester City, Newcastle and Burnley player was charged following an incident in the tunnel after the match between Barnsley and Fleetwood, which ended in a 4-2 victory for the home team.

Barton was given unconditional bail by Judge Jeremy Richardson QC.

PA