Joey Barton breaks silence and denies Barnsley ‘tunnel attack’, after man is arrested for racially aggravated assault

FLEETWOOD manager Joey Barton has "emphatically" denied claims he attacked Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel.

A man was arrested for an alleged racially aggravated assault following Saturday's League One clash.

He has been bailed until May and South Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident.

German boss Stendel, 45, lost two teeth in a tunnel scuffle after an incident in the tunnel.

The ex-England and Manchester City ace, 36, tweeted: "With regards to the alleged incident on Saturday following our game against Barnsley, I emphatically deny all the allegations made.

"Given this matter has not been formally closed, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment."

TUNNEL 'BUST-UP'

Barnsley complained to the FA and EFL about an incident in the tunnel at Oakwell after Saturday's clash.

Barton was said to be furious at seeing one of his players sent off in the 4-2 loss.

A steward and a cop stopped Barton’s BMW from leaving the ground.

Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow called Barton “foul” in a tweet that was then deleted.

Police said: “Officers investigating an incident at Barnsley FC on April 13 have arrested a man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and racially aggravated assault.

“He attended at a police station and remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Fleetwood have said: “We are currently establishing the facts.”