Footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a former team-mate in a training ground bust up.
The Newcastle United midfielder, formerly of Manchester City, is accused of attacking Ousmane Dabo at City's training ground complex on 1 May.
Mr Barton, 24, appeared at Trafford Magistrates' Court to deny assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He was released on unconditional bail to appear back at the same court again on 4 October.
After arriving in court on crutches, Mr Barton spoke only to confirm his name and address before entering his plea.
David Alc0ck, prosecuting, described the incident as a "vicious attack" during the 10-minute hearing.
Mr Barton, who was born in Liverpool, was arrested after an alleged incident in Carrington, south Manchester.
He was suspended by City and subsequently sold to Newcastle United in a £5.8m deal in June.
The midfielder, who has also featured in the England squad, is now out of action after fracturing a metatarsal in his left foot.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail.
