Joey Barton: Police arrest man on 'racially aggravated assault' in investigation into Fleetwood Town manager

A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged tunnel incident at Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium ( Getty )

Police investigating an allegation made against Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton have arrested a man “on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offence and racially aggravated assault”.

The man attended a police station on Wednesday where he was arrested. He remains in custody for questioning.

A South Yorkshire Police statement said: “Officers investigating an incident at Barnsley Football Club on Saturday 13 April 2019 have arrested a man on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offence and racially aggravated assault.

“The man attended at a police station and was arrested today, Wednesday 17 April. 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.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Barnsley made an official complaint to both the Football Association (FA) and the English Football League (EFL) after an allegation was made against Barton.

South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation into an alleged incident in the players' tunnel after the Tykes' 4-2 Sky Bet League One victory over Barton's side on Saturday. Now they are calling for witnesses who may have captured what happened on mobile phones to assist.

A South Yorkshire Police statement said: "Police investigating reports of an assault at Barnsley Football Club on Saturday 13 April are appealing for witnesses as enquiries continue.

A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged tunnel incident at Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium (Getty)

"The incident is believed to have taken place in the tunnel around 5pm, following the conclusion of Barnsley's match against Fleetwood Town, and left one man with facial injuries.

"Were you at the game on Saturday with a view, or in the area, of the tunnel? Did you see what happened?

"Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have caught the incident on camera or who may have any mobile phone footage immediately before or after the incident occurred.

"If you think you can help, please call 101 quoting incident number 326 of 13 April 2019."

Additional reporting by PA