Lawyers acting on behalf of Everton star Ross Barkley say he “was the victim of an unprovoked attack”.
Merseyside Police says it is looking into CCTV footage that appears to show Barkley being punched by a man at Santa Chupitos cocktail bar in Liverpool.
A statement from Barkley’s lawyers read: “We can confirm that Ross was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a stranger who approached him on Sunday evening.”
Barkley is seen exchanging words with another male near the bar, before being hit by a sucker-punch and falling backwards.
The England international the loses his footing as more punched are thrown before another man steps in to control the attacker.
Twitter user Heavy Kid posted a video of the incident along with the caption: “Barkley getting bingoed.”
He added: “Being told was last night.”
The incident is said to have happened hours after Everton beat Leicester 4-2 at Goodison Park yesterday, with Barkley impressing for Ronald Koeman’s men.
Everton have not commented and no complaint has been made to police, but they are viewing the footage.
Barkley played the full 90 minutes for the Toffees, after which boss Koeman told him to sign a new contract or leave the club.
“We offer him a new contract and then there are two possibilities: one is sign that contract and if he doesn’t sign the contract we need to sell the player,” Koeman said.
