Joey Barton says he 'emphatically' denies allegations he assaulted Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel.
A man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault by police investigating an alleged tunnel bust-up said to have involved the former Manchester City star and now Fleetwood Town manager and Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel after the game between the two sides at Oakwell on Saturday.
The man, who hasn't been named, was questioned by South Yorkshire Police on Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Twitter today, Barton declared his innocence.
He said: "With regards to the alleged incident on Saturday following our game against Barnsley, I emphatically deny the allegations made."
Barton added it would be 'inappropriate' to comment further.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and racially aggravated assault.
He has been released on bail.
Barnsley FC has confirmed the club has lodged a formal complaint to both the English Football League and the Football Association in relation to the alleged incident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, South Yorkshire Police said: "Officers investigating an incident at Barnsley Football Club on Saturday, April 13, 2019 have arrested a man on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offence and racially aggravated assault.
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"The man attended at a police station and was arrested today, Wednesday, April 17.
"He remains in police custody for questioning.
"We would ask members of the media and the public to refrain from speculation in relation to this incident as it could potentially harm the investigation.
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"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."
Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow tweeted Stendel was 'confronted' following the game, which ended in a 4-2 victory for the home team.
That tweet was later deleted.
