Former Manchester City player Joey Barton will remain in prison until at least March 2027 after his appeal against his detention was rejected, according to derbyderbyderby.it.
Barton’s release in March 2027 is not guaranteed, meaning he could remain behind bars beyond that date. The decision extends the latest chapter in a long series of legal and disciplinary troubles involving the former footballer.
The case relates to an assault at the beginning of this year involving Kevin Lynch. The pair had been at a golf course when an argument developed over an issue that has not been explained further in the report. Barton was subsequently imprisoned in connection with the incident.
His appeal was rejected, leaving the current prison decision in place. No further details about the grounds of the appeal or the reasoning behind its dismissal were provided.
The latest incident adds to Barton’s already extensive history of controversies away from football. During his playing career, he was also involved in incidents with team-mates at Manchester City.
One of those incidents occurred in 2004, when Barton attempted to put out a cigarette by pressing it into the eye of his Manchester City team-mate Jamie Tandy. That episode became one of the most prominent examples of the disciplinary problems that followed Barton during his career.
Barton played for Manchester City before later becoming known for a career marked by repeated controversy. The latest court development means his immediate future remains tied to his prison sentence rather than to football.
For now, the earliest possible point at which he could be released is March 2027. Even then, the report says, there is no certainty that he will be freed at that time.
The rejected appeal closes the latest legal route available to Barton in the case involving Lynch. It also confirms that the assault at the golf course, rather than any football-related matter, is the reason for his current imprisonment.
Barton’s history of incidents, including the confrontation with Tandy during his time at Manchester City, has continued to draw attention alongside the latest case. His current sentence therefore represents another development in a troubled post-playing career, with no immediate prospect of release confirmed.