Barton, 38, of Widnes, Cheshire, is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday. The charge relates to an alleged incident that took place at a residential property in Kew, southwest London, on Wednesday June 2.

       The Met Police said medics did not attend the scene.

       Barton was arrested on June 2, bailed pending further enquiries and has now been charged.

       In a statement, the Met Police said: "Joseph Barton, 38, of Widnes, is due to appear on bail on Monday, July 26 at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court charged with assault by beating.

       "The charge relates to an incident which took place at a residential property in Kew on Wednesday, June 2 in which a woman received a head injury.

       “London Ambulance Service did not attend.

       "A 38-year-old man was arrested on June 2, bailed pending further enquiries, and subsequently charged."

       Barton, a retired footballer, made 269 Premier League appearances during his career.

       The midfielder played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley.

       He also received one cap for England in a friendly against Spain in 2017.

       Barton retired from playing football in 2018 and became manager of League One side Fleetwood Town.

       He left his role in January 2021 and one month later was appointed manager of fellow League One side Bristol Rovers on a deal until 2023.