Joey Barton attacked outside nightclub (THE SUN)

Attack ... picture of the incident, apparently showing a shirtless Barton, appeared on Twitter

Published: Today at 10:10

FOOTBALL bad boy Joey Barton has been punched in the face outside a nightclub in Liverpool.

The controversial Queens Park Rangers midfielder was involved in a fight with two men outside Garlands nightclub in Liverpool city centre.

A picture of the incident, apparently showing a shirtless Barton being held back by police and a woman, appeared on Twitter.

Merseyside Police were called out after reports of a disturbance outside the popular nightclub.

Beaten up ... Joey Barton restrained after being sent off during QPR's game with Manchester City

They confirmed that a 29-year-old man, who had been injured, voluntarily left the scene.

Two 21-year-olds were arrested and are currently in police custody.

QPR midfielder Barton, 29, was banned for 12 matches after being sent off during his side's defeat at Manchester City on the final day of the season.

The Football Association found him guilty of two counts of violent conduct.

He joined QPR in August last year on a free transfer from Newcastle United.

Altercation ... police were called to incident outside Garlands club in Liverpool city centre