Barkley victim of unprovoked attack – lawyers

Lawyers for Ross Barkley say the Everton midfielder was the victim of an “unprovoked attack by a stranger” after footage emerged of an incident in a Liverpool city centre bar.

Merseyside Police have confirmed they are making enquiries after CCTV cameras captured images of a man being punched in the face.

Barkley’s lawyers have confirmed the victim was the 23-year-old England international, who, hours earlier, had played a starring role in Everton’s 4-2 Premier League defeat of Leicester City.

Matt Himsworth, managing director of Himsworths Legal, told the BBC: “We can confirm that Ross was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a stranger who approached him on Sunday evening.”

Merseyside Police say no report of an assault has been made but that enquiries are continuing.

A statement read: “Merseyside Police is aware of footage online reportedly showing an assault in a bar in Liverpool city centre.

“No report of an assault has been received but officers are making enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident.”

Attacking midfielder Barkley won the most recent of his 22 England caps in November 2015.

Everton have been also contacted for comment.