Joey Barton bailed over street fight in Liverpool Published duration 4 June 2012

image caption Joey Barton was sent off on the last day of the season and given a 12 match ban

Footballer Joey Barton has been bailed after he was arrested following a fight outside a Liverpool nightclub.

Mr Barton, 29, was detained after two men were held over the incident, at about 05:30 BST, outside Garlands club in Eberle Street.

The Queens Park Rangers midfielder, who is from Merseyside, was released after questioning by detectives.

His arrest came after two 21-year-old men were detained on suspicion of public order offences.

A 20-year-old man was also later arrested in connection with the incident.

He was later bailed, as were the 21-year-olds.

Mr Barton's club said two men sang offensive chants at the player and then punched him in the face.

The player was banned for 12 matches after being sent off in Queens Park Rangers' defeat at Manchester City on the final day of the season.

He was found guilty of two counts of violent conduct by The Football Association.