Newcastle and England midfielder Joey Barton has been arrested by police in Liverpool following an alleged assault.
The footballer was arrested along with a 19-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman on Church Street in the city centre at 0530 GMT.
Merseyside Police confirmed the three were being held in custody.
A spokesman said: "All three remain in custody for interview and processing and I expect a decision on charges or release will be made later tonight."
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