Who is Kevin Lynch? Man allegedly assaulted by Joey Barton at Liverpool golf club may lose sight in one eye as ex footballer jailed

Joey Barton, the former midfielder who once played for clubs like Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers, is now at the center of a serious criminal case in Liverpool. A man police say was assaulted during a fight at a golf club may lose sight in one eye. The injured man, 51-year-old Kevin Lynch, is a married father of two and a well-known local football figure. Police say the incident happened on Sunday evening at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Barton appeared in court on Tuesday and was denied bail. The hearing took place at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. The court heard that Kevin Lynch suffered serious injuries to his face during the alleged assault. Doctors have warned there is a real possibility he could lose sight in one eye. Police earlier confirmed that Lynch was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Barton, 43, spoke only briefly in court to confirm his name, address and date of birth. The judge ordered that he be kept in custody for about a month until the next hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. Another man, Gary O’Grady, a 50-year-old roofer and friend of Barton, has also been charged in the case. He was granted bail. Both men are accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Kevin Lynch.

Joey Barton and Gary O’Grady accused of attacking Kevin Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Liverpool

The court heard that Joey Barton, Gary O’Grady and Kevin Lynch are all registered members of Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. According to police, a large number of officers rushed to the club after reports of a fight.Forensic teams later sealed off parts of the club and searched the area for evidence. Some people living nearby told reporters they heard a man groaning in pain and later saw blood on the ground before paramedics arrived.Kevin Lynch is known in local football circles. Over the years he has managed clubs such as Prescot Cables FC, Marine AFC and City of Liverpool FC. He is also the founder and headteacher of NexGen Academy.Meanwhile, Barton faced another legal blow on the same day. At the High Court, former England footballer Eni Aluko won a libel case against him.Her lawyer told the court that Joey Barton posted dozens of messages about her on the social media platform X during 2024. According to the lawyer, the posts wrongly accused her of misusing claims about racism and bullying.The High Court ruled that Barton must pay about £339,000 in damages and costs. Court records say the first payment of £100,000 plus interest must be made by March 24.Joey Barton, who once played for clubs including Newcastle United, Burnley FC and Olympique de Marseille, also worked as a manager for Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers after retiring from playing. The assault case and the libel ruling now place the former footballer under heavy legal pressure as the investigation continues in Liverpool.