SOCCER star Joey Barton has been arrested on suspicion of assault and causing damage to a taxi in a late night bust-up with a cabbie.

The Manchester City and England midfielder, 24, was questioned before being freed on police bail.

The Sun revealed Barton was facing a probe over the alleged fracas a week last Sunday. Witnesses claim he kicked out at the taxi outside a McDonald’s in Liverpool.

It is thought Barton was returning to his home in the village of Cronton, Merseyside, after spending the evening with a relative.

Police said last night: “A 24-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and assault.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007110801,00.html