Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton was reportedly arrested on Monday on suspicion of affray after being involved in an altercation outside a nightclub in his hometown in northern England.
The 29-year-old Barton says he was punched in the back of the head in the early hours after clashing with two 21-year-old men, who were arrested.
Barton and a 20-year-old man were arrested later Monday.
''Following an altercation in Eberle Street, Liverpool city centre, in the early hours of this morning, four men have been arrested on suspicion of affray,'' Merseyside Police said. ''Two 21-year-old men were arrested at the scene in the early hours of this morning and another two men, a 20-year-old from the Liverpool area and 29-year-old from the Widnes area, were arrested this afternoon.
''The two 21-year-old men and the 20-year-old man have been questioned by officers and have been released on bail pending further inquiries. The 29-year-old man remains in police custody where he will be questioned by detectives.''
Barton had earlier said he didn't plan to pursue a case against the men who hit him.
''I got sucker punched in the back of the head. Not injured as reported just a ...small bruise on rear of head/ear,'' the midfielder wrote on Twitter. ''I've had worse. Life goes on! Thanks for the concern. Have a good day people.
''Not planning on pressing charges as its not that serious. The police have also got better things to do with their time. Can I just say a public thanks to the police last night as they were and have been today brilliant.''
Barton served 77 days in jail in 2008 after a street fight in Liverpool.
The midfielder is being investigated by QPR after being suspended for 12 matches for violent conduct during the club's last Premier League match of the season at Manchester City last month.
The temperamental player was sent off for elbowing City's Carlos Tevez, and then kicked Sergio Aguero and attempted to head-butt Vincent Kompany before being escorted off the pitch by his teammates.
