Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton will not face trial over an alleged attack on a man outside a Merseyside golf club until next year.
The 44-year-old - who denies a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent - was due to face trial this week.
However, at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday - Barton's birthday - Judge David Potter adjourned the trial to 8 March 2027. The case is expected to last two weeks.
Former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Barton - who was denied bail at an earlier hearing - is alleged to have attacked Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on 8 March.
Read more from Sky News:
Four charged with murder after death of newborn
Poundland owner races to agree sale
An earlier court hearing was told that they had been drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, is said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, won one England cap and also played for Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Olympique Marseille.
He went on to manage Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers after retiring from playing.
(c) Sky News 2026: Joey Barton's trial over alleged assault outside golf club delayed until next year

British woman, 34, stabbed to death in hotel corridor in Portugal
Families of Nottingham attacks victims 'kept in dark' about mentally ill man pursuing them
Six police officers sacked after racism complaint, Greater Manchester Police says
Sky News launches new Sunday morning current affairs programme
Pistol found in lake could be linked to unsolved killings of British family
Four people charged with murder after death of newborn baby girl in Sheffield
Sadiq Khan says he's been scammed after London mayor convicted of failing to tax car
Gary Glitter appears in court and denies historical child sexual abuse offences



