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Football

06th Dec 2021

Joey Barton found NOT GUILTY of assaulting Daniel Stendel in 2019

Daniel Brown

Barton has been acquitted of the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm

Joey Barton has been found not guilty and has been acquitted of the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Sheffield Crown Court.

The former footballer and Bristol Rovers manager was accused of assaulting Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel in 2019, an allegation that he denied.

The 39-year-old was accused of barging into the back of Stendel in the stadium tunnel, causing the German to fall and suffer a dental injury.

Mr Stendel told a jury how he was walking down the tunnel after his side’s 4-2 victory when he was knocked over by a push from behind, causing him to hit his face on the metal structure.

Video footage that was shown during the trial showed Mr Stendel entering the tunnel followed by Mr Barton shortly afterwards.

A jury heard evidence from the prosecution and defence last week before closing statements were made on Friday.

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, told jurors they would retire on Monday to consider a verdict.

The jury returned with a unanimous not guilty verdict, meaning that Barton is acquitted of the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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