Soccer: Newcastle United's Barton arrested

LONDON - Newcastle United soccer player Joey Barton has been arrested after allegations of an assault in the centre of Liverpool, British police said.

Barton, 25, was arrested along with a 19-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman at 5.30am in the heart of the northwest England city.

"The three remain in custody for interviews," a spokesman for the Merseyside police said.

"A decision about whether they will be charged or released is expected later on Thursday (local time)."

Barton joined Newcastle from Premier League rivals Manchester City in June for a fee of A3;5.8 million ($15.21 million).

- REUTERS